AUTHORISATION 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 LIST OF TABLES 1 LIST OF FIGURES 1 ABBREVIATIONS 1 1) BACKGROUND 1 1.1 Purpose of the plan 1 1.2 Structure of the plan 4 1.3 Alignment with METT 4 1.4 Introduction 5 1.5 The values of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 5 1.6 Adaptive management 7 2) DESCRIPTION OF UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT 9 2.1 The history of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 9 2.2 The legal context for the management of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 12 2.3 Ecological context of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 15 2.4 Cultural and heritage context of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 26 2.5 Socio-economic role of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 26 2.6 The regional and local planning context of Ukuwela Nature Reserve 27 2.7 Operational management within Ukuwela Nature Reserve 30 2.8 Management effectiveness in Ukuwela Nature Reserve 33 2.9 Summary of management issues, challenges and opportunities 33 3) STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 35 3.1 Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s vision 35 3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes 35 4) ZONATION PLAN 39 4.2 Conceptual development guidelines 40 5) ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE 42 6) OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 44 6.1 Legal compliance and law enforcement 44 6.2 Operational management 47 6.3 Business management and development 50 6.4 Conservation management 52 6.5 Cultural heritage and sense of place 58 6.6 Research and monitoring 58 6.7 Socio-economic benefits 62 7) MONITORING AND REPORTING 65 7.1 Bi-annual monitoring 65 7.2 Annual protected area management plan implementation review 68 8) UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE’S ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION 69 8.1 Implementation of the management plan 69 8.2 Responsibilities in implementing the protected area management plan 70 8.3 Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s resource requirements 70

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1.1 Land ownership within Ukuwela Nature Reserve Table 2.3.1 Vegetation types in Ukuwela Nature Reserve and their contribution towards protected area targets Table 2.3.2 Threatened and endemic plant species present within Ukuwela Nature Reserve Table 2.3.3 Threatened and endemic animal species present within Ukuwela Nature Reserve Table 2.3.4 Identified listed invasive alien species that must be controlled within the reserve in terms of NEMBA Table 2.7.1 Shareholding within the Ukuwela Nature Reserve Game Ownership Association Table 2.9.1 Management challenges, issues and opportunities Table 3.1 Objectives and strategic outcomes for Ukuwela Nature Reserve Table 6.1 Framework for legal compliance and law enforcement Table 6.2 Framework for infrastructure and equipment, financial and human resources, and management systems Table 6.3 Framework for business management and development Table 6.4 Systematic biodiversity planning conservation targets for vegetation types to which Ukuwela Nature Reserve contributes Table 6.5 Framework for ecosystem and species management Table 6.6 Framework for fire and herbivore management, invasive plant species control and erosion management Table 6.7 Framework for cultural heritage and sense of place, and research and monitoring Table 6.8 Framework for socio-economic benefits Table 7.1 Annual monitoring schedule for Ukuwela Nature Reserve

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Structure of the Management Plan Figure 1.2 Regional location of Ukuwela Nature Reserve Figure 1.3 The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009) Figure 2.1 Land ownership within Ukuwela Nature Reserve Figure 2.2 Ukuwela Nature Reserve perimeter fence Figure 2.3 Mean monthly rainfall for Ukuwela Nature Reserve recorded during the period 1995 to 2009 Figure 2.4 Topography of Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds Figure 2.5 Geology of Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds Figure 2.6 Drainage and hydrology of Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds Figure 2.7 Vegetation of Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds (KZN Vegetation layer) Figure 2.8 Famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) Figure 2.9 Location of Ukuwela Nature Reserve in relation to KZN macro- ecological corridors Figure 2.10 Ukuwela Nature Reserve potential expansion properties Figure 2.11 Local municipalities within which Ukuwela Nature Reserve falls Figure 2.12 Big 5 False Bay Spatial Development Framework Development Corridors Figure 2.14 Infrastructure located within Ukuwela Nature Reserve Figure 4.1 Zonation map of the Ukuwela Nature Reserve Figure 5.1 Organisational structure for the Ukuwela Nature Reserve Figure 8.1 Process for the implementation of Management Plans

ABBREVIATIONS

Amafa Amafa KwaZulu-Natali (KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Heritage Agency) APO Annual Plan of Operation BECVOL Biomass Estimates from Canopy Volumes CEO Chief Executive Officer

CPI Consumer Price Index DCO District Conservation Officer DEA National Department of Environmental Affairs

DWAS National Department of Water and Sanitation EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMF Environmental Management Framework

EMP Environmental Management Plan EWT Endangered Wildlife Trust Ezemvelo Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife

FPA Fire Protection Association in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (No.1 of 1998) GIS Geographical Information System IAP Invasive Alien Plant IDP Municipal Integrated Development Plan IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature LSU Large Stock Unit MEC Member of the Executive Council

METT Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NEMA National Environmental Management Act NEM: PAA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act NFEPA National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area

NPAES National Protected Area Expansion Strategy NSBA National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment PA Protected Area

PES Present Ecological State (as applied to assessed water resources) SDF Municipal Spatial Development Framework SMME Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises

SWOT Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation VCA Veld condition assessment

WCPA World Commission on Protected Areas WWF Word Wildlife Fund 1) BACKGROUND

1.1 Purpose of the plan Management plans for biodiversity stewardship sites are strategic documents that provide the framework for the development and operation of biodiversity stewardship sites. Biodiversity stewardship offers varying levels of formal protection of land with nature reserves being the highest level of protection and a recognised protected area in terms of the National Environmental: Management Protected Areas Act, No. 57 of 2003. Because of the importance of its biodiversity and ecological functions, The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve qualified and has been declared as a nature reserve in terms of the Act.

This management plan informs management at all levels, from the management authority through to support staff within partner organisations and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The purpose of the management plan is to:

• Provide the primary strategic tool for management of The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, informing the need for specific programmes and operational procedures. • Provide for capacity building, future thinking and continuity of management. • Enable the management authority to develop and manage the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in such a way that its values and the purpose for which it has been established are protected. • Ensure the effective management of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in accordance with relevant provincial, national and international norms and standards. • The plan outlines the implementation of the conditions laid out in the Protected Area Management Agreement for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, which are to: o Preserve the ecological integrity (including vulnerable and ecologically sensitive areas) of the game reserve. o Conserve the biodiversity of the game reserve. o Protect areas representative of all ecosystems, habitats and species naturally occurring there. o Protect threatened or rare species. o Assist in ensuring the sustained supply of environmental goods and services provided by the nature reserve. o Provide for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources. o Create or augment destinations for nature-based tourism. o Manage the interrelationship between the natural environment, human settlement and economic development.

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o Rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of threatened and vulnerable species.

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ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONTEXT

Introduction

Management issues, Description and challenges and context opportunities

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Vision

Objectives

Key performance areas Strategic outcomes

Zonation plan

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Administrative

framework Adaptive management Management Guiding principles activity

Management targets

Monitoring and reporting

Annual plan of operation

Figure 1.1 Structure of the Management Plan

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1.2 Structure of the plan Section 1: Provides an introduction and background to the management plan and the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Section 2: Establishes the context of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, providing the basis for the strategic and operational management frameworks that follow. Section 3: Sets out the vision and objectives for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Section 4: Sets out the zonation of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, outlining the land uses in particular zones. Section 5: Describes the administrative structure that has been established to assist in managing the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Section 6: Sets out the management targets that must be achieved in managing the nature reserve. Section 7: Sets out the monitoring measures required to determine if management targets are being met. Section 8: Describes the components that must be included in the annual plan of operation.

1.3 Alignment with METT Management effectiveness is defined by the IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPAs) as the assessment of how well a protected area is being managed – primarily the extent to which it is protecting values and achieving goals and objectives (Hockings, Stolton & Dudley 2000; Hockings et al. 2006). The assessment of management effectiveness using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-SA Version 3, 2015) is not a management performance assessment but is intended to identify areas in which management effectiveness can be improved within a protected area and within the organisation managing the protected area.

As far as possible, this management plan has been aligned with the METT, which focuses on six elements of protected area management:

1. Understanding the context of existing values and threats. 2. Protected area planning and design. 3. The allocation of resources to the protected area. 4. The processes that are implemented in managing a protected area. 5. The outputs of management actions. 6. The outcomes or impacts of management actions.

It must be understood that not all aspects of the METT will be relevant to the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve but that the METT is able to identify areas in which to focus management activities in an effort to address deficiencies and

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improve management. It thus provides a baseline upon which future management effectiveness can be measured and improved.

1.4 Introduction The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is a 1283,1 ha reserve that is situated north of Hluhluwe town in Northern KwaZulu Natal. It falls within the uMkhanyakude District Municipality and the Big Five Hlabisa Local Municipality.

Figure 1.2 Regional location of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

As shown in Figure 1.2, the reserve forms an important linkage between the Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy and the isiMangaliso Wetland Park. The Mzinene River, which flows directly into the isiMangaliso Wetland Park forms a portion of the boundary between the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and the Mun- Ya-Wana Conservancy; the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve therefore plays an integral role in its protection.

The reserve comprises of two disconnected portions: Ukuwela (west), which is 540.8 ha, and Mfuleni (east) which is 742.3 ha.

1.5 The values of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve The values of a place are those remarkable attributes that exemplify it, which led to it being identified as a priority for the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme and to be proclaimed as a nature reserve. The values are

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important in planning and management, as they are the aspects of the place that must be protected. The values of Ukuwela Nature Reserve include:

Socio-economic ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve provides values benefits to its landowners flowing from tourism and sustainable resource use. ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve contributes to community upliftment through biodiversity conservation, tourism and upliftment programmes. Habitat and species ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve provides values suitable habitat for plant and animal species representative of the region. ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserves enables habitat connectivity within the regional protected area network. Ecosystem function ▪ The Mzinene River and a number of associated values wetlands run through or adjacent to the The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and feed into the St Lucia wetland system. ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve provides a critical connection to surrounding natural habitat and other protected areas. Scenic values ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is a place of beauty that makes an important contribution to the sense of place of the region. Scientific, research ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and educational enables research in species, ecology and values ecosystem function that contributes to the understanding of the biodiversity and conservation imperatives of such systems. ▪ The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is an educational asset that enables people of all ages and education levels to improve their understanding and appreciation of nature.

Consistent with Section 17 of the Protected Areas Act, the purpose of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is to:

• Protect representative areas of Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands; Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld; Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld and Tembe Sandy Bushveld. • Provide landscape level biodiversity conservation that connects protected areas and contributes to the protection of the ecological integrity of the region. • Protect part of the catchment of the Mzinene River, which feeds into the iSiMangaliso Wetland Park. • Protect threatened, rare and endemic species.

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• Assist in the supply of sustained environmental goods and services. • Be a successful model of biodiversity conservation and community beneficiation through nature-based tourism.

1.5.1 Protection of the values The protected area’s values, in particular those that underlie the functioning of its ecosystems and the protection of its rare and threatened species, will be given the highest degree of protection to ensure the persistence of these systems predominantly unaltered by human activity.

1.5.2 Ecosystem-based management Decision-making associated with the protection of the reserve’s ecosystems will be scientifically based on internationally accepted principles and concepts of conservation biology. The protected area ecosystems will be managed with minimal interference to natural processes. Specific management may be desirable, when the structure or function of a habitat or ecosystem has been significantly altered by human induced impacts or previous management. Specific management will only be considered when this option is the best alternative available to restore ecological integrity.

Where directed management is required, it will be based on scientific research, and will employ techniques that emulate natural processes as closely as possible.

1.6 Adaptive management The preparation of this management plan has been undertaken based on the guiding principles of adaptive management, which is a structured, iterative process in which decisions are made using the best available information, with the aim of obtaining better information through monitoring of performance (Figure 1.3). In this way, decision making is aimed at achieving the best outcome based on current understanding, whilst accruing the information needed to improve future management. Adaptive management can lead to revision of a part or if necessary, the whole management plan.

Adaptive management enables landowners and managers to:

i) Learn through experience. ii) Take account of, and respond to, changing factors that affect the biodiversity stewardship site. iii) Develop or refine management processes. iv) Adopt best practices and new innovations in biodiversity conservation management. v) Demonstrate that management is appropriate and effective.

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Figure 1.3 The adaptive management cycle (Management Strategy Evaluation, 2009)

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2) DESCRIPTION OF THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE AND ITS CONTEXT

2.1 The history of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve The Ukuwela portion of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve had been commercially farmed since the 1950s; in a combination of crop and Nguni beef production. In the 1950’s it was predominantly used for sisal production (the old sisal factory is still present on the property); however, between the 1950’s and 1980’s the farm was slowly converted to pineapple production, which continued until 2009. From 2009 to 2011, portions of the farm were used to produce chillies, tomatoes and butternut. There are areas of primary vegetation that were utilised for grazing throughout the commercial agriculture period. The Mfuleni portion of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is predominantly primary vegetation (wetland habitat), with small patches that were utilised for farming. The entire area is currently being used for conservation and ecotourism ventures; therefore, the area is being rehabilitated.

Figure 2.1 Land ownership within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve.

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Figure 2.1 depicts the current ownership of the various properties that make up the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and Table 2.1.1 provides the relevant property descriptions and sizes.

The property Rem of 23 of LotH115 No 13180 was purchased in late 2004 by the Mzinene Trust with the intention that the trustees eventually live on the property while making an income from a small commercial venture. At the time of purchase, &Beyond Phinda were leasing the land and the property was open to what was then “Phinda Private Game Reserve” (now the Mun-Ya- Wana Conservancy). This property forms part of the ‘Mfuleni’ section of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve.

In 2014, Sylvia Reynders-Froelicher (KwaDube) purchased Ptn 39 of 14137; with the intention of utilising it for residential purposes. This property forms part of the ‘Ukuwela’ section of the reserve.

In May 2017, the Farm Pineapple 16074 and Portion 38 of 14137 were purchased by Wild Tomorrow Fund and the Ukuvikela Partnership respectively; to prevent the cultivation of pineapples. The land was secured through donor funding, with the following mandates: secure the habitat for conservation purposes, rehabilitate the property and reintroduce indigenous species where appropriate. As part of the donor mandate, there may be no hunting on the property. This property also forms part of the ‘Ukuwela’ portion.

In 2019, WTF purchased the properties: Rem of 13350; Portion 14 of 13350; Portion 13 of 13350; Portion 12 of 13350 which will form part of the Mfuleni section of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve.

With the intention of protecting the properties in perpetuity; WTF initiated the Biodiversity Stewardship process. As part of that process, the various owners have signed a Landowner Association constitution, which will serve as the management authority for the conservancy.

Table 2.1.1 Land ownership within Ukuwela Nature Reserve

Landowner Area (ha)

Wild Tomorrow Fund South Africa NPA 1087.0614

Farm Pineapple 16074 499.7700 Rem of 13350 351.4535 Ptn 12 of 13350 40.8733 Re Ptn 13 of 13350 20.4406 34 (of 13) of 13350 20.4384 Ptn 14 of 13350 40.8733

Ukuvikela Partnership 20.2382

Portion 38 (of 15) of the Farm Msinene Estate no. 14137 20.2382

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KwaDube (Sylvia Reynders-Froelicher) 20.7696

Portion 39 (of 15) of the Farm Msinene Estate no. 14137 20.7696

Mzinene Trust 154.0573

Re of 23 of 13180 154.0573

Total 1283.0614

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2.2 The legal context for the management of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve There is a large body of legislation that is relevant to the management of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, but the primary legislation guiding the management of protected areas is the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No.57 of 2003).

The Protected Areas Act establishes the legal basis for the creation and administration of protected areas in South Africa, as its objectives include provisions “for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes”. The Act sets out the mechanisms for the declaration of protected areas and the requirements for their management.

A detailed list of relevant legislation is provided in Appendix B. As the management authority, the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve should familiarise itself with the purpose and contents of the statutes and their subsequent amendments and regulations.

2.2.1 Proclamation status of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve Conservation Outcomes and Ndlovu de Villiers Attorneys were contracted by the landowners of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve to facilitate the Biodiversity Stewardship Process; the costs of which have been covered by WTF. After the constitution has been signed and this Management Plan has been approved by the management authority; it will be submitted to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the MEC for approval. After approval from the MEC and a 60- day public participation process, the declaration will be published in the national gazette, providing formal status as a nature reserve under S23 of NEM:PAA.

2.2.2 Boundary demarcation and deviations The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve perimeter fence is a 1.8m heavy galvanized, electrified Veldspan or Bonnox game fence that meets the requirements of the National Norms and Standards for the Management of Elephants in South Africa (Figure 2.2). The electrics are run off solar power. As such the boundary of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is known by the management authority, is fully demarcated and is respected by local residents, neighbouring land users and the public.

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Figure 2.2 The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve perimeter fence

There is a boundary deviation on the western boundary of the reserve, whereby the fence line is east of the cadastral boundary. The fence then crosses the Mzinene River and joins the Mun-Ya-Wana fence line. This deviation is not addressed through a legally binding agreement.

In addition, there are two sections of the property Rem of 13350 that fall east of the R22, which have not been included in the fenced area. The eastern fence line follows the R22 district road. See figure 2.3 for a map of the current fence line.

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Figure 2.3: Map of the fenced area of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

The intention is to include the sections east of the R22 in the future. These boundary deviations will therefore be updated in the successive iteration of this management plan. The management authority will manage the entire reserve, including the sections east of the R22.

2.2.3 Servitude register A water pipeline runs through the Ukuwela Nature Reserve (Farm Pineapple 16074) to Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy; however, this is not a registered servitude. There are registered access roads to all the properties within the Greater Ukwela Nature Reserve. In addition, there are a number of Eskom powerlines that traverse the Nature Reserve; on both the Ukuwela and Mfuleni sections.

In addition, while the R22 is currently on the eastern boundary of the fenced area; it does bisect the reserve.

A register of these servitudes must be compiled and maintained. Appendix G is a map of all the servitudes on the nature reserve.

2.2.4 Invasive species control in terms of the Biodiversity Act In terms of Section 76 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004), the management authority of a protected area must incorporate an invasive species control plan in the protected area management plan. This is addressed in Sections 3 and 4 below. The management of invasive alien species will fall to the landowners of the individual properties. To this end, the individual properties within the Ukuwela Nature Reserve have invasive alien species control plans. These plans include

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the identification of key invasive alien plants species, their distributions and densities, and a series of management and control strategies that include the use of fire, chemical and manual control, and the maintenance of boundaries and buffer zones to prevent new infestations.

2.3 Ecological context of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

2.3.1 Climate and weather The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve has a warm to hot, humid, tropical to subtropical climate with hot summers and cool to warm winters. Tropical cyclones, which occur infrequently along the coast, generally from January to March result in occasional episodic large-scale floods. The mean annual rainfall for the period 1995 to 2009 was 776mm with a coefficient of variation of 29% where the maximum and minimum annual rainfall records were 1,195 and 345 mm respectively, which indicates the significant variability characterising the annual precipitation of the area (Trollope et al. 2011). More than 75% of the annual rainfall occurs between the months of October and March with February having the highest expected rainfall at an average of almost 120 mm and July having the lowest average rainfall at below 20 mm (Figure 2.4).

Figure 2.4 Mean monthly rainfall for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve recorded during the period 1995 to 2009

The area is generally climatically stable with the mean annual temperature fluctuation less than 12 oC (Bothma 2002). The mean temperature is 21.8 oC, the highest average monthly temperature occurs in January, with an average of 25.5 oC and the lowest average temperature occurs in July, at 16.4 oC.

2.3.2 Topography The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve lies at the south-western boundary of the extensive Maputaland Coastal Plain. The reserve is relatively flat, with an altitudinal range from 8 m above sea level on the Mzinene River to approximately 75 m above sea level in the south west of the conservancy (Figure 2.5).

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Figure 2.5 Topography of Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds

2.3.3 Geology and soils The underlying geology and soils of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve determine its vegetation types. As is seen in Figure 2.6, the Reserve is situated on a siltstone band, running north to south. This band is one of the three formations that comprise the Cretaceous sediments; all of which form striking north-south zones parallel to the eastern foot slopes of the Lebombo mountains (Wolmarans and du Preez 1986).

The first of these zones to be deposited was the lower Cretaceous Makatini Formation consisting of non-marine, fluviatile coarse sandstone and conglomerate (Siltstone). The overlying Mzinene Formation consists of shallow marine silts and sands (Sand), while the St Lucia Formation near the coast is the youngest and comprises of buff and greenish grey glauconitic silts and fine sands (Cenozoic sediment).

The Cretaceous sediments of the Zululand Group continue from the eastern base of the Ubombos where the gently undulating nature of the terrain signifies the start of the Maputaland Coastal Plain (Wolmarans and du Preez 1986). Ukuwela Nature Reserve is situated on the western edge of the Maputoland Coastal Plain.

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Figure 2.6 Geology of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds

Although there is a general understanding of the soils in the reserve, a detailed, fine-scale soil survey is required in order to generate an accurate soil map for the reserve.

2.3.4 Drainage and hydrology The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is drained by a number of drainage lines towards the Mzinene River to the north of the reserve, which ultimately flows into the St Lucia Wetland system (Figure 2.7).

Artificial watering points consist of a number of small dams scattered throughout the reserve; only some of which are functional and/or are kept full throughout the year.

The Mzinene River is a National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area (NFEPA) Rivers. Similarly, a number of the wetlands within the reserve are NFEPA wetlands. The implication of this is that these rivers and wetlands are considered a priority for the provision of freshwater ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation nationally. Furthermore, the rivers and wetlands within the reserve make up an integral part of the St Lucia Wetland system, South Africa’s largest estuary and a primary component of the iSiMangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. The protection and management of the

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reserve is thus important in maintaining the connectivity and ecological integrity of iSiMangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site.

Figure 2.7 Drainage and hydrology of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and its surrounds

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2.3.5 Vegetation Mucina and Rutherford (2006) have identified two vegetation types within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. The updated KZN vegetation layer has further refined this finding and has identified 4 vegetation types (Figure 2.8). For the purposes of this management plan, the focus will be on the 4 vegetation types identified in the KZN vegetation layer, as these are used to determine the contribution of the reserve to provincial and national biodiversity and protected area targets (Table 2.3.1). Untransformed areas are used when calculating contribution to provincial and national targets.

Table 2.3.1 Vegetation types in the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and their contribution towards protected area targets

Vegetation type Threat status Extent of Proportion of Contribution vegetation provincial extent of to biodiversity within the veg type within the targets reserve (ha) reserve Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld Vulnerable 330 0.58% 1.14% Freshwater Wetlands: Subtropical Least threatened 355 0.92% 3.15% Freshwater Wetlands: Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld Least threatened 232 0.50% 1.15% Tembe Sandy Bushveld Least threatened 14 0.02% 0.07%

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Figure 2.8 Vegetation of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve (KZN vegetation layer)

Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld (Mucina and Rutherford 2006) covers approximately 47% of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. It occurs in the regions immediately to the east of the Lebombo Mountains, eastwards to the western edge of the Tembe Sandy Bushveld at an altitude of 20 to 200 metres. The vegetation comprises mixed but mainly compound leaved short (5-10 m) woodlands and wooded grasslands. It occurs on the crests, upper and mid- slopes of gently undulating terrain. The vegetation type is dissected by two large alluvial floodplains associated with the Mkuze and Pongola Rivers.

Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands (Mucina and Rutherford 2006) collectively cover approximately 28% of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Mucina and Rutherford (2006) do not distinguish between different categories of this vegetation type as the KZN vegetation layer does. These wetlands are widely

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distributed in South Africa, occurring within the Albany Thicket Biome, the Coastal Belt from Transkei to Maputaland and the Lowveld and Central Bushveld regions at altitudes ranging from zero to 1,400 metres. The vegetation occurs in flat topography supporting low beds dominated by reeds, sedges and rushes, and water-logged meadows dominated by grasses. It is found typically along the edges of seasonal pools in aeolian depressions as well as fringing alluvial backwater pans or artificial dams.

Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld (Mucina and Rutherford 2006) covers approximately 22% of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. It occurs on the coastal plain of the Maputaland region, generally found on the ancient coastal dune cordons on gently undulating slopes. It is characterised by an open to closed evergreen woodland with a canopy that is 5 to 10m tall and bushlands. It differs from Tembe Sandy Bushveld in the generally higher clay content of the soils and higher water table.

Tembe Sandy Bushveld (Mucina and Rutherford 2006) covers approximately 3% of the reserve. This vegetation type occurs on extensive flat plains with open to closed woodland with a canopy between 5 and 10m. It is dominated by Terminalia sericea, with a species rich shrub layer and grassy undergrowth (Panicum, Perotis, Urelytrum agropyroides, Hyperthelia dissolute and Diheteropogon species).

2.3.6 Plant species There are a number of confirmed threatened and endemic plant species that occur within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve (Table 2.3.2).

Table 2.3.2 Threatened and endemic plant species present within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

Species Common name Threat status Endemic status Carissa tetramera Sand num-num Declining Non endemic Sansevieria metallica Giant Sansevieria Critically Rare Endemic

In addition to the threatened and endemic plant species present in the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, there are a number of trees that are Protected in terms of the National Forest Act 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998):

• Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra • Sideroxylon inerme • Elaeodendron transvaalense A comprehensive plant list is included in Appendix D.

2.3.7 Threatened and endemic animal species There are a number of confirmed threatened and endemic animal species that occur within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve (Table 2.3.3).

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Table 2.3.3 Threatened and endemic animal species present within Ukuwela Nature Reserve

Species Common name Threat status Endemic status Panthera pardus Leopard Vulnerable Non endemic Gyps africanus White-backed vulture Vulnerable Non endemic Torgos tracheliotus Lappet-faced vulture Vulnerable Non endemic Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur Vulnerable Non endemic Polemaetus bellicosus Martial eagle Vulnerable Non endemic Circaetus fasciolatus Southern Banded Snake Critically Endangered Non endemic Eagle Podica senegalensis African Finfoot Vulnerable Non endemic Pelecanus onocrotalus Great white pelican Near Threatened Non endemic

Sagittarius serpentarius Secretarybird Near Threatened Non endemic Ephippiorhynchus Saddle-billed Stork Endangered Non endemic senegalensis Felis serval Serval Near Threatened Non endemic Crocuta crocuta Spotted hyena Near Threatened Non endemic Cinnyris neergaardi Neergaard’s Sunbird Vulnerable Non endemic Neotragus moschatus Suni Not threatened Near endemic Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile Vulnerable Non endemic Cephalophus natalensis Red Duiker Near Threatened Non endemic

2.3.8 Mammalian fauna The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve has the typical game species of a northern Zululand reserve without “Big 5”. A number of threatened mammal species naturally occur on the reserve including leopard (VU), honey badger (VU), serval (NT), spotted hyena (NT) and most likely (although not confirmed) side-striped jackal (NT). In addition, both cheetah (VU) and African wild dog (EN) are transient through the property. A list of mammal species is included in Appendix D.

2.3.9 Avifauna The list of bird species that occur on the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is not complete. The reserve is significant for avifaunal conservation for the following reasons:

• The habitat that it has for waterfowl and its connection to iSiMangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, which is also a listed Ramsar Site (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat). • Its inclusion in a new Important Bird Area (IBA) to be known as the Zululand IBA, which has been proposed by BirdLife South Africa.

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The Zululand IBA One of the primary reasons for the creation of the Zululand IBA is that it will incorporate breeding populations of savanna associated vultures and raptors which are currently only represented in the protected area system within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HIP) in KwaZulu-Natal. Important components of these populations occur outside of HIP in the biodiversity stewardship sites in the region, including the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. The declaration of these sites and the creation of the IBA enable appropriate landscape level conservation that will capture much of the breeding and feeding area of these vultures and other raptors. Importantly, all of the vulture species are listed as globally threatened.

The IBA is also significant because it supports a number of species at the southernmost limit of their range, including:

• Bennet’s Woodpecker. • Burchell’s Starling. • Red-billed Buffalo Weaver. • Magpie Shrike. • Pearl-spotted Owlet. • Red-headed Weaver. • Brown-headed Parrot. • Grey and Red-billed Hornbills. • Levaillant’s Cuckoo. • Purple Roller.

The IBA also supports a number of East Coast Endemics, including:

• Rudd’s Apalis. • Pink-throated Twinspot. • Lemon-breasted Canary. • Neergard’s Sunbird.

A list of bird species is included in Appendix D.

2.3.10 Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) The list of reptile and amphibian species that occur in the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is not complete. The list does include Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) which is classified as Vulnerable. In addition, it is highly likely that African rock python (Python sebae) occurs on the reserve, although there are no records yet. The reptile and amphibian species list are contained in Appendix D.

2.3.11 Invertebrates

The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve has a comprehensive invertebrate species list (Appendix D). There are a number of notable species.

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2.3.12 Fire and herbivore management Fire is a key driver of ecological dynamics in southern African systems, which are largely driven by patterns of disturbance. Fire contributes to patterns of disturbance by removing the vegetative growth of plants, and in contrast to grazing it does this non-selectively, which reduces the competitive advantages of species adapted to grazing. An important aspect of fire in savanna environments is the role that it plays in controlling bush encroachment and stimulating new growth for both grazing and browsing species. This can be used as a tool to encourage game to move from over-utilised to under-utilised areas of a property (Bothma 2002).

Previously, the landowners of the respective properties have been responsible for their own fire management. However, it will be important to conduct fire management on the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve that is cognisant of animal movement and utilisation. Incorrect planning could result in the over- utilisation of some areas and vegetation degradation.

WTF has developed a Fire Management Plan for the reserve. This is based on the ecological data produced by the Veld Monitoring Programme designed and carried out by Ross Goode. This monitoring programme will utilise data on veld condition of the reserve to determine when areas should be burnt, annually. The FMP will include details on the monitoring programme, methodology on carrying out recommendations, as well as design ‘management blocks’ for the burning programme.

2.3.13 Invasive species There are generally no problems associated with invasive alien animals on the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. However, a variety of invasive alien plant (IAP) species are known to occur within the reserve (Table 2.3.4). The portions of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve that had been preciously cultivated and are therefore ‘disturbed’ vegetation, are generally the areas which have the highest abundance of IAPs. WTF has developed an IAP Management Plan for the reserve.

Table 2.3.4 Identified listed invasive alien species that must be controlled within the reserve in terms of NEMBA

Common name Scientific name NEMBA category Chromoleana / Triffid weed / Chromoleana odorata 1b Parafienbos Famine weed Partehnium hysterophorus 1b Lantana / Tickberry Lantana camara 1b Sisal Agave sisalana 2 Syringa Melia azedarach 1b Yellow Trumpetbush / Yellow Bells Tecoma stans 1b Castor-oil plant Ricinus communis 2

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Creeping woodsorrel Oxalis corniculata Black-jack Bidens sp.

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No.10 of 2004 – NEMBA) and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No.43 of 1983 – CARA), landowners are required to control and eradicate listed invasive alien species on their land. NEMBA categorises such plants on the following basis:

Category 1a: Prohibited - a person in control of a Category 1a Listed Invasive Species must comply with the provisions of section 73(2) of NEMBA; immediately take steps to combat or eradicate listed invasive species in compliance with sections 75(1), (2) and (3) of NEMBA; and allow an authorised official from DEA to enter onto land to monitor, assist with or implement the combatting or eradication of the listed invasive species. Category 1b: Prohibited/exempted if in possession or under control – a person in control of a Category 1b Listed Invasive Species must control the listed invasive species in compliance with sections 75(1), (2) and (3) of NEMBA. A person contemplated in sub- regulation (2) must allow an authorised official from DEA to enter onto the land to monitor, assist with or implement the control of the listed invasive species, or compliance with the Invasive Species Management Programme contemplated in section 75(4) of the Act. Category 2: Permit required - Category 2 Listed Invasive Species are those species listed by notice in terms of section 70(1)(a) of the Act as species which require a permit to carry out a restricted activity within an area specified in the notice or an area specified in the permit. A landowner on whose land a Category 2 Listed Invasive Species occurs or person in possession of a permit, must ensure that the specimens of the species do not spread outside of the land or the area specified in the notice or permit. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, any species listed as a Category 2 Listed Invasive Species that occurs outside the specified area contemplated in sub-regulation (1), must, for purposes of these regulations, be considered to be a Category 1b Listed Invasive Species and must be managed according to Regulation 3. Persons or organ of state must ensure that the specimens of such Listed Invasive Plant Species do not spread outside of the land over which they have control. Category 3: Prohibited - Category 3 Listed Invasive Species are species that are listed by notice in terms of section 70(1)(a) of NEMBA, as species which are subject to exemptions in terms of section 71(3) and prohibitions in terms of section 71A of the Act, as specified in the notice. Any plant species identified as a Category 3 Listed Invasive Species that occurs in riparian areas, must, for the purposes of these regulations, be considered to

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be a Category 1b Listed Invasive Species and must be managed according to regulation 3.

Figure 2.9 Famine weed (Parthenium hysterophorus)

2.4 Cultural and heritage context of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve There has been no formal archaeological or paleontological assessment done on the reserve, therefore little is known about the cultural or historical resources of the reserve.

2.5 Socio-economic role of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve provides employment to local communities though the hiring of field rangers and hospitality staff. In addition, it has aided in SMME development, through the provision of alien plant removal contracts to local, all-women, teams.

In addition, WTF has been actively involved in community upliftment projects in the region, including inter alia: support to local creche’s through the provision of food and the donation of education toys; support to local schools through the provision of learning equipment; and provision of food to a local orphanage.

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2.6 The regional and local planning context of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

2.6.1 Protected area expansion The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve falls between two priorities for both the national and KZN Protected Areas Expansion strategies; namely the HIP corridor and the False Bay Corridor. In addition, because the reserve is adjacent to the Mun-Ya-Wana Conservancy, it contributes to forming an important linkage with four macro-ecological corridors (Figure 2.10):

• The False Bay Corridor • The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Corridor • The Lebombo South Corridor • The Maputaland Corridor

Figure 2.10 Location of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in relation to KZN macro-ecological corridors

At a landscape level this means that the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is important in linking other protected areas, in enabling large-scale ecological processes across the region and in enabling climate change adaptation through facilitating the movement of wide-ranging species across different areas and habitat types.

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2.6.2 The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve Expansion Plan

Although the entire property Rem of 23 of LotH115 of 13180 has been included for declaration; only the sections west of the R22 district road are fenced into the reserve. Therefore, including these sections into the fenced area will form phase one of the expansion plan (Figure 2.11).

In addition, there is a property that falls between the Ukuwela and Mfuleni sections of the reserve. This property would significantly increase the connectivity of the reserve.

Figure 2.11 The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve potential expansion properties

2.6.3 Regional and local planning frameworks The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve falls within uMkhanyakude District Municipality and The Big Five Local Municipality (Figure 2.12), which set the regional and local planning frameworks.

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Figure 2.12 Local municipalities within which the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve falls

The Big 5 False Bay Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Local Economic Development (LED) Plan and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) identify tourism, particularly ecotourism, as an important economic driver within the municipality. Linked to this, the SDF identifies the R22, which runs past the Ukuwela Nature Reserve as a Secondary Mobility Route. It has therefore been highlighted as a “Tourism Attraction Connector” (Figure 2.13).

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Figure 2.13 Big 5 False Bay Spatial Development Framework Development Corridors

The SDF identifies three nodes that are of relevance to the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve:

• The KwaMnqobokazi Traditional Authority: KwaGiba Tertiary Social Node, which envisages the development of an arts and craft centre, a post box centre, workshops, small scale municipal offices, and passive and active open space. • The KwaMnqobokazi Traditional Authority: KwaMnqobokazi Tertiary Social Node, which envisages the development of retail facilities, a community service centre and the formalisation of an existing hall. • The KwaMakhasa Traditional Authority: KwaMakhasa Community Multi-use Node, which includes a number of facilities that may be developed in the node such as a police station, health facilities, retail facilities and densification of rural housing.

2.7 Operational management within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve The core focus of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is conservation; however, there are potential ecotourism ventures on the property that will allow for its sustainability. On the Mfuleni section, the Mzinene Trust may develop a small-scale ecotourism venture in the future.

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There are also a number of non-commercial accommodation facilities within the reserve; which are lived in by members of the reserve’s constituted body.

The majority of the reserve is owned by the Wild Tomorrow Fund, a Non-Profit Organisation that bought the property solely for conservation purposes. The WTF model is based on fund-raising (predominantly in the USA) and therefore does not require their property to be profitable. However, there are certain donor-stipulations for the property; for example: no hunting may take place on the reserve.

The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve has a constituted body as the management authority, which is comprised of the 4 landowners that make up the reserve. Each of the 4 members will have voting power proportional to the land they own within the constituted body for decision-making purposes. A minimum of 75% majority vote will be required in order to pass a resolution. Issues such as business development, infrastructure development, annual plan of operation, reserve budget and traversing rights will be discussed and decided upon by the constituted body.

General management of the properties fall to the respective landowners, however reserve management duties that are feasibly done as a unit will be allocated by the constituted body to specific members. These include inter alia: fire management, security and perimeter fence maintenance.

The game on the reserve is jointly owned by all members, according to the hectarage of their property (Table 2.7.1). The game will be managed according to the game ownership agreement (Appendix F).

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Table 2.7.1 Shareholding within the Ukuwela Nature Reserve game-ownership association

Entity Shareholding (%) Wild Tomorrow Fund 84.8 Ukuvikela Partnership 1.6 KwaDube 1.6 Mzinene Trust 12.0

2.7.1 Infrastructure The infrastructure found within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is primarily related to the management of the reserve, the operation of ecotourism ventures and residential purposes (Figure 2.14). As a result, infrastructure includes:

• A perimeter fence and access gates; • A road network; • Anti-poaching camps; and • Residential houses.

The Ukuvikela Partnership will be building a house on their property for residential purposes, also shown in Figure 2.14.

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Figure 2.14 Infrastructure located within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

2.8 Management effectiveness in the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve has not yet utilised the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool; however, as a newly declared Protected Area, this will become an obligation. The METT will assist in identifying management concerns and aid in effective planning. The METT was designed to track and monitor progress towards worldwide protected area management effectiveness and is used to report progress towards the Convention on Biological Diversity.

2.9 Summary of management issues, challenges and opportunities The following section summarises the key management issues and challenges facing the reserve, which must be addressed through the management plan. The issues and challenges have been grouped under key performance areas, which flow through the strategic and operational management frameworks that follow (Table 2.9.1).

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Table 2.9.1 Management issues, challenges and opportunities

Key performance Issue Opportunity Challenge area Legal protection of the Declare the reserve to ensure Ensure that all the land within Greater Ukuwela Nature it is legally protected. the reserve in declared as a Reserve through formal protected area. proclamation. Poaching and security Collaboration between Increasing poaching pressure. Legal compliance partners, neighbours and and law landowners to achieve enforcement improved law enforcement. Non-compliance with permit Collaboration with partners to ▪ Multiple permits required. requirements ensure the reserve is fully ▪ Maintaining compliance compliant. with management devolved to multiple members. Maintenance of infrastructure Ensuring that all Impacts associated with infrastructure and equipment insufficient maintenance. is appropriately managed to avoid unnecessary environmental impacts. Operational Human resource management Sufficient allocation of budget Inefficient management of the Management systems towards staffing, for reserve due to being under- employment and staff training staffed or lack of adequate training. Effective and fair Ensuring effective decision- Ineffective management of management of the making around the APO and the constituted arrangement. constitutional arrangement. the budget. Adequate and fair budget Ensuring the sustainability of Ineffective management due allocation the reserve through sound to lack of funds and/or mis- Business business decisions. allocated budgets. management and Developing synergistic Ensuring that business Business development that is development business activities. development is in line with detrimental to the reserve’s the reserve’s values. values, or that is not agreed on by all members. Management of the reserves Maintenance of optimal Impacts on plant species game species mix and species mix and numbers that composition and diversity, numbers. incorporates appropriate ratio associated with over of bulk to selective feeders utilization by herbivore and is within carrying species. capacity. Implementation of a fire Implement an ecologically- Impacts on plant species and management regime based based fire regime, which the grass sword, associated on an ecological approach to maintains heterogeneity, with inappropriate burning. Conservation burning. ecological functioning of the Management habitats within the reserve and facilitates a natural programme of rest and non- selective grazing. Ensure that conservation Implement management of Having adequate knowledge targets of endangered, species along contemporary of the species of conservation threatened and rare species best practise guidelines. importance on the reserve, as are met. well as current best practice methodologies.

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Protection of the reserve’s Partnering with academic Protecting the reserve’s archaeological, institutions to gain a better archaeological, Cultural Heritage paleontological and historic understanding of the historic paleontological and historic and sense of place resources, as per the AMAFA resources on the reserve. resources, without adequate guidelines and legislation. knowledge of them. Aligning research with key Encouragement and support Finding research projects that reserve management and to research and monitoring align with reserve Research and operational issues. programmes and projects that management and operational Monitoring can inform key management issues. issues. Provision of socio-economic Optimising socio-economic Ensuring support for the benefits to the surrounding benefits of the reserve, reserve through linking Socio-economic communities. associated with its operation, community upliftment benefits business activities and projects with the reserve in sustainable resource use. the minds of the people.

3) STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK The strategic framework is aimed at providing the basis for the long-term protection, development and operation of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. The vision describes the long-term goal for the operation and management of the reserve. The objectives and strategic outcomes that follow are intended to provide the basis for the achievement of the vision.

3.1 Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s vision To conserve wildlife and their habitats in northern KwaZulu-Natal; to be a model for sustainable conservation and protected area management, informed by science; and to ensure communities value, protect and benefit from conservation.

3.2 Objectives and strategic outcomes An objective has been identified for each of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s key performance areas, which follow from the management challenges, issues and opportunities, and relate to the important functions and activities necessary to protect, develop and manage it effectively. The objectives have then been translated into strategic outcomes, which form the basis for the management activities and targets set out in the operational management framework, described in Section 6 below. Table 3.1 sets out the key performance areas, the objective for each key performance area and the strategic outcomes, required to realise the objectives.

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Table 3.1 Objectives and strategic outcomes for Ukuwela Nature Reserve

Key performance area Objective Strategic outcome Legal compliance and Comply with and enforce • The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is a legally declared nature reserve; law enforcement legislation pertaining to the • Wildlife risks to neighbours, visitors, staff, infrastructure and livelihoods are protection, development and minimised; management of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. • Maintain a well-trained and adequate ranger team to enable regular patrol; • Ensure all permitting is up-to-date, comprehensive, and compliant; • Develop a register of all servitudes registered against the Title Deeds of the properties making up the nature reserve; and • Ensure clear legally sound mapping of boundaries of constituted properties and perimeter. Operational Provide adequate human • Facilities and infrastructure in the nature reserve are adequately maintained; Management resources, equipment and funding • The nature reserve is adequately staffed for its effective management and operation; to ensure that the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is • Infrastructure on the reserve is managed to minimise environmental harm; protected for the purpose for • Annual plans of operation include maintenance plans and detailed budgetary which the nature reserve was requirements; established, and to enable its • Ensure effective management of the constituted arrangement, including inter alia: effective operational management AGMs, operational meetings and budget planning; and and development. • Enable effective information management to ensure that it is usable for applicable parties and facilitates adaptive management. Business management Support business ventures that • Development of a mutually agreed annual budget, that identifies the resources and development are consistent with the purpose of required to achieve the objectives of the nature reserve; the nature reserve, which ensure • Support the development of synergistic business ventures that are in line with the its financial viability and vision of the nature reserve and will contribute towards its resilience; and

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sustainability, whilst managing • Development of a mechanism that will enable effective and fair decision making and mitigating impacts. around proposed business activities. Conservation Protect the ecosystem • Maintain optimal species mix and numbers informed by carrying capacity estimates Management functioning, ecological integrity, ecological principles; habitat and species of the reserve • Ensure the conservation targets of threatened, rare, vulnerable and endemic species through active interventions are met; based on principles of adaptive • Maintain key and sensitive habitat types in optimal conditions; management. • Development and implementation of a comprehensive fire management plan for the Protect and manage the nature reserve; threatened, rare, vulnerable and • Development and implementation of an alien and invasive species control plan for endemic species to ensure their the nature reserve; continued survival. • Identify and rehabilitate areas that have been affected by soil erosion; • Develop and maintain a road network based on ecological guidelines that is cognisant of tourism needs and compliant with legislation; • Implementation of procedures to manage exotic animals found within the nature reserve; and • If extractive resource use is undertaken, it is done sustainably and conforms to legislation relative to a Nature Reserve. Cultural Heritage and Protect the sense of place, natural • Generate an understanding of the cultural, historical, archaeological and Sense of place character and cultural heritage of paleontological resources on the reserve; and the reserve. • The cultural, historical, archaeological, and paleontological resources of the reserve are safeguarded as per the AMAFA guidelines and legislation. Research and Encourage and support research • Align research and monitoring programmes with reserve management objectives; Monitoring and monitoring that informs key • Develop and maintain a biodiversity monitoring programme that will enable adaptive management interventions and management; improves knowledge and

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understanding of the reserve’s • Develop and maintain an ecosystem monitoring programme for the reserve that will ecology, species and habitats. enable adaptive management; and • Facilitate research and partnerships with recognised educational institutions, organisations and projects that are compliant, ethical, contribute to science, and/or have management implications. Socio-economic benefits Foster strong community • Provide employment and business opportunities to local community members; relationships to ensure strong • Where possible, support programmes focused on health, education, and social support for the reserve and upliftment of communities surrounding the reserve, in a manner that community meaningful socio-economic development is directly linked to Ukuwela Nature Reserve; benefits to the surrounding communities. • Support environmental education programmes where suitable; and • Quantify the value of ecosystem services provided by the reserve, to position the conservancy as a key component in the landscape.

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4) ZONATION PLAN The purpose of the zonation of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is to identify types and levels of usage that are acceptable based on an area’s sensitivity and resilience, and to manage visitor experience and inter-user conflict. Zonation may be used to identify areas in which appropriate uses and infrastructure may be located and developed.

Figure 4.1 Zonation map of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

Zonation enables a protected area to be zoned along a continuum, from highly sensitive areas subject to low levels of use and impact, to higher intensity nature-based uses. The zonation system adopted for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve (Figure 4.1) recognises and reflects:

• Sensitive features associated with a protected area (i.e. biophysical, cultural and sense of place). • A general gradation in the zonation categories, in which the next use level provides a buffer to the lower use level. • Influence of existing and historic facilities, infrastructure and use. • Opportunities and constraints (biophysical, social or managerial constraints) for use.

The zonation system applied to the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve includes the following categories:

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Moderate / This is an area in which the ecotourism principles of low human Low use zone impact will prevail, but low levels of usage are permitted; including, game viewing roads and walking trails. Tourism This zone includes commercial tourism developments such as lodges development and picnic areas; as well as reserve management infrastructure such and as workshops, sheds, and staff/resident accommodation. This area management also includes the main access road network. zone

4.2 Conceptual development guidelines

4.2.1 Moderate / Low Use Zone This zone is designated for areas in which activities are to be limited to low- impact ecotourism uses and conservation management interventions. Motor vehicle access into parts of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, for game viewing and management purposes is allowed in this zone but off-road driving is largely discouraged. The objective of this zone is to enable access and usage of the nature reserve whilst limiting the impacts of this.

Permissible activities:

• Game viewing using game viewing vehicles and guided game walks. • Development of operational management and tourist infrastructure such as 4x4 vehicle trails (for guided game drives only) and non- permanent field ranger outposts.

Non-permissible activities:

• Non-guided tourist or visitor vehicle use. • Non-guided quad bike use. • Clearing of areas for the staging of bush meals or weddings. • Development of infrastructure other than 4x4 vehicle trails and non- permanent field ranger outposts, unless essential for management purposes. • The possession or use of firearms unless authorised by reserve management.

4.2.2 Tourism Development and Management Zone This zone covers areas that encompass key zones for the development of management infrastructure and relatively high levels of tourist and visitor usage. Furthermore, this zone is designated for areas of relatively high vehicle usage such as for visitors travelling to and from the lodges within the nature reserve. The objective of this zone is to accommodate lodge-style developments and to enable the development of operational management infrastructure such as stores, maintenance areas and staff housing within the nature reserve.

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Permissible activities:

• Development of lodges and other tourist facilities within the tourism development node. • Maintenance of the main entry points and access roads through the nature reserve. • Development of the nature reserve’s park management node comprising infrastructure such as entrances, staff housing, offices, workshops, storehouses and bomas.

Non-permissible activities:

• Removal of indigenous plants without the necessary permits. • Introduction of non-indigenous grasses, trees or shrubs for landscaping purposes. • Introduction (temporary or permanent) of domestic pets such as dogs or cats, unless authorised by the management authority. • The possession or use of firearms unless authorised by reserve management.

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5) ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE An indicative organisational structure for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is set out in Figure 5.1. The figure identifies the role of the site’s landowners, the management authority and its staff together with key partners such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

The constituted body, signed by all landowners, is assigned as the management authority. Each of the landowners will have voting power proportional to the land they own within the constituted body when it comes to management decisions. A 75% majority vote is required to pass a resolution. The management authority’s responsibility is to ensure that the reserve is appropriately managed and conserved in terms of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve Constitution. This includes, inter alia: ecological management, security and administration / financial management. The management authority will allocate responsibilities among its members, until such time as the nature reserve requires a full-time manager.

In terms of the structure, it is the responsibility of the individual entities to undertake day-to-day management of the land under their control, in terms of the Greater Ukuwela Constitution. This includes, inter alia: infrastructure maintenance and erosion control.

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Figure 5.1 Organisational structure for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

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6) OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK This section translates the strategic framework described in Section 3 above into management activities and targets, which will be used to inform annual plans of operation and the resources required to implement them. The management targets will form the basis for monitoring of performance in implementing the plan and are thus material outcomes that lead to tangible results, which as far as possible, are measurable.

6.1 Legal compliance and law enforcement The owners and managers of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve have a responsibility to ensure that laws related to the conservation of the reserve and efforts to combat illegal activities, in particular poaching, are enforced. Furthermore, it is important that the reserve is properly legally secured, and any legal risks and liabilities are appropriately addressed and managed. On this basis, the following guiding principles apply:

• All reasonable efforts must be made to ensure the effective conservation of biodiversity within and on the boundaries of the nature reserve. • Law enforcement efforts should be coordinated with the relevant authorities including Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the South African Police Service in addressing offences and breaches of the law. • Law enforcement in the reserve will be undertaken through surveillance, monitoring and appropriate reaction in the event of an offence. • Wildlife risks to people and infrastructure, both within the reserve and in neighbouring areas, will be managed and minimised to ensure that all minimum legal requirements are met and exceeded.

The operational requirements for legal compliance and law enforcement are set out in Table 6.1.

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Table 6.1 Framework for legal compliance and law enforcement

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION

The Greater Ukuwela Nature ▪ The nature reserve must be declared in terms of the ▪ Legal protection of the entire extent of the ▪ No title deed Completion of legal Completion of the Reserve is a legally declared Protected Areas Act. Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in terms of endorsement on Year 1 the requirements of the Protected Areas Act. declared properties. agreements. declaration process. Nature Reserve.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

▪ Enforce applicable legislation to prevent trespassing, ▪ Implement appropriate standard operating ▪ Illegal access. Maintain a well-trained and Develop standard and illegal activities such as poaching and plant procedures and processes in responding to ▪ Arson fires. Year 1 Prosecution of adequate ranger team for operating harvesting in the nature reserve. illegal incidents. ▪ Losses of species. offenders. regular patrol. ▪ Losses of rare and procedures. ▪ Implement a programme of patrols of the nature ▪ Regular patrols covering the full extent of the endangered plant Provision of staff reserve and their boundaries. nature reserve. species. Prosecution of Ongoing and resources to ▪ Prosecution of any offender caught offenders. undertake patrols. committing an offence.

LAND MATTERS

Ensure all permitting is up- ▪ The responsibility of ensuring all permitting is up-to- ▪ A register of all required permits and their ▪ Non-compliance. Assign a responsible to-date, comprehensive, and date and comprehensive will be assigned to a respective statuses for the property. ▪ Inefficiency as a result party and facilitate Assistance and member, by the management authority. ▪ A member to take responsibility of all compliant of having no designated Annually the completion of all advice where ▪ Permitting will be reviewed annually at the AGM. permitting concerns. responsible party. ▪ A fully compliant property. necessary required. paperwork.

Ensure clear, legally sound, ▪ Preparation of a clear and legally sound map which ▪ Title deed endorsement for Nature Reserve ▪ Inappropriate mapping Develop the mapping of boundaries of will enable the title deed endorsement of the status. for title deed appropriate maps Mapping assistance declaration. endorsement. Year 1 constituted properties and and hiring of a land and advice. perimeter. surveyor if required.

▪ Preparation of a detailed register of all servitudes ▪ An up-to-date, accurate servitude register for ▪ Uncertainty or Develop a register of all Preparation of the Mapping assistance registered against the title deeds of properties the reserve. ignorance of servitudes Year 1 servitudes registered against servitude register. and advice. within the reserve. and their legal status. the Title Deeds of the

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properties making up the nature reserve.

WILDLIFE RISKS AND LIABILITIES

Wildlife risks to neighbours, ▪ Risks and liabilities associated with wildlife-related ▪ Standard operating procedures are regularly ▪ Human injury or death Development of Collaboration on emergencies and breakouts that may lead to injury, reviewed and updated to address risks, related to wildlife visitors, staff, infrastructure similar issues (e.g. death, damage to infrastructure or impacts on procedures and compensation associated incidents. Year 1 standard operating and livelihoods are within Mkuze Game livelihoods are regularly assessed and measures are with wildlife breakouts and emergencies. ▪ Damage to procedures. minimised. implemented to minimise them. infrastructure or crops. Reserve).

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6.2 Operational management

6.2.1 Infrastructure and equipment In order for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve to operate appropriately, adequate infrastructure and equipment need to be provided and maintained both for management and tourism purposes. In addressing infrastructure and equipment needs in the reserve, the following guiding principles will be adhered to:

▪ Infrastructure and equipment must be maintained to avoid any damage to the environment and ensure the safety of staff of visitors to the nature reserve.

▪ Infrastructure and equipment must be provided to ensure the effective management and operation of the nature reserve.

6.2.2 Financial and human resources The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve cannot be effectively managed without adequate sustained funding and sufficient human resources. The following guiding principles should be adhered to: • Adequate funding must be provided for the management of the reserve to ensure its sustained functioning. • Adequate, properly trained and experienced staff must be employed at the nature reserve to undertake the operations required for its effective management.

6.2.3 Management systems Management systems are required to ensure the health and safety of visitors, staff and contractors working within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Furthermore, standard approaches to addressing specific operational interventions are required. The following guiding principles should be adhered to: • Risks and legal liabilities related to visitor, staff and contractor health and safety are identified and appropriately addressed. • Standard operating procedures that ensure consistency in management are developed and implemented. • There is an information management structure in place, that allows for effective sharing of data between members and enables management decisions. The detailed operational requirements for infrastructure and equipment, financial and human resources, and management systems are set out in Table 6.2.

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Table 6.2: Framework for infrastructure and equipment, financial and human resources, and management systems

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

INFRATSRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

Facilities and infrastructure ▪ Develop sufficient facilities and obtain sufficient ▪ Sufficient facilities, assets, infrastructure and ▪ An inability to in the nature reserve are equipment to enable the effective operation of the equipment to support the effective effectively manage the reserve due to adequately maintained. nature reserve. management and operation of the nature Ongoing inadequate ▪ Address any issues associated with staff housing. reserve. infrastructure or equipment.

Infrastructure on the reserve ▪ Implement a scheduled maintenance programme to ▪ Regular scheduled maintenance of all ▪ Environmental, health Implementation of a Provision of advice and safety incidents is managed to minimize maintain infrastructure and equipment. infrastructure and equipment. maintenance and assistance with associated with environmental harm. ▪ Ensure proper maintenance is being undertaken for ▪ Appropriately functioning infrastructure and programme. monitoring. infrastructure. service infrastructure, including that for water systems that do not cause harm to the supply, electricity and sewerage, and if necessary, environment, in accordance with the ▪ Pollution events or Ongoing upgrade infrastructure. environmental maintenance management incidents associated with service ▪ Determine appropriate strategies for the plan. infrastructure and management and recycling of waste in the nature systems. reserve.

FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Annual plans of operation ▪ Management costs must be factored in as part of ▪ Inclusion of a cost estimate in the Annual Plan ▪ Lack of funds to Assistance in include maintenance plans the nature reserve’s annual management meeting. of Operation. complete management Preparation of targets. Annually identifying costs and and detailed budgetary budgets. sourcing funds. requirements

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The nature reserve is ▪ Undertake periodic reviews of staff and positions to ▪ Develop a profile of staff members to identify ▪ Insufficient staff to determine the human resource needs to effectively qualifications, skills and experience, and areas undertake the key adequately staffed for its Assistance in in which capacity development is required. operational functions of effective management and manage the reserve. the reserve. implementing ▪ Employ sufficient, appropriately skilled staff to meet ▪ Implement a structured system to assess and Human resource operation. training and the management and operational requirements of determine staff job performance and to ▪ Insufficient expertise Annually management of identify further training and capacity and experience within capacity the nature reserve. reserve staff development needs. the reserve’s staff. development ▪ Undertake regular training and skills development to ensure that staff are able to effectively complete ▪ Implement measures to ensure that staff are programmes. their duties. sufficiently trained and capable to undertake the functions required of their job positions.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Ensure effective ▪ Ensure that an Annual General Meeting is held for ▪ Dates for annual meetings are set at the ▪ Inefficiency as a result management of the the members of the constituted body, that allows closing of previous meetings. of delayed decisions; constituted arrangement, for effective and fair decision making. ▪ Processes are in place that facilitate fair and ▪ Members are excluded effective decision making. from management Enable annual Advice, where including inter alia: AGMs, ▪ Ensure that routine Operation Meetings are held to Annually decisions unfairly. meetings possible. operational meetings and enable effective reserve management. budget planning ▪ The constituted body must be involved in budget planning for the reserve, which must feed directly into the APO.

Enable effective information ▪ Design an information storage solution that will ▪ A shared source of reserve data and GIS ▪ An inability to access resources that enable informed management information. management to ensure that enable members to utilise and share information Design an effectively. decisions. ▪ An inability to make Advice and technical it is usable for applicable information ▪ An information storage system that does not informed adaptive Year 3 expertise where parties and facilitates ▪ Research findings and information must be useable management to enable informed adaptive management systems. rely on a single individual to be utilised. management decisions. possible. adaptive management. system ▪ GIS information must be managed in way that allows for usability and integrity of the data.

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6.3 Business management and development The businesses that operate within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve underpin its financial sustainability and viability. They are therefore important in ensuring that the reserve is properly resourced and protected. In addition to the businesses that operate within the reserve; there is significant donor support through the WTF. It is therefore important that the businesses and donor funding are managed such that they are complementary. It is also equally important, that the natural resource base that supports the businesses that operate within the reserve is protected to ensure the long-term sustainability of its nature-based business ventures. In managing and further developing business opportunities within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, the following guiding principles will apply:

• The development and operation of business ventures and opportunities within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve will be consistent with the values and purpose for which the nature reserve was created. • Opportunities to optimise income generation, return on investment and value to shareholders and partners will be sought in developing and operating business ventures within the Nature Reserve. • Opportunities to develop partnerships and collaborate with role players in the region will be sought, in an effort to add value to the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s operations and business ventures. • Tourist and visitor activities must not threaten its biodiversity or ecological function or lead to unacceptable levels of habitat degradation. • In developing tourist and visitor infrastructure, requirements for environmental authorisation must be considered and adhered to.

The detailed operational requirements for business management and Development are set out in Table 6.3.

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Table 6.3 Framework for business management and development

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION

Development of a mutually ▪ Members of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve ▪ Optimally designed and agreed upon reserve ▪ Inadequate budget or agreed annual budget, that will meet annually to develop the reserve budget, budget that enables the effective mis-allocated funding management of the reserve. for reserve Provision of advice identifies the resources which will be directly linked to Annual Plan of Annual Operation (APO). management. Ongoing and guidance if required to achieve the development of a required. objectives of the nature reserve budget. reserve.

Support the development of ▪ Income generation that is in line with the values of ▪ There is adequate budget to effectively ▪ Unsustainable practices synergistic business ventures the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and will manage the reserve. that undermine the values and ecological that are in line with the contribute to its resilience is optimised. Development of Provision of advice integrity of the reserve. Ongoing vision of the nature reserve new products and and support. and will contribute towards approaches. its resilience

Development of a ▪ Enable effective discussion and decision-making ▪ There is an effective, efficient and fair ▪ Inefficient business mechanism in place to enable decision development as a result mechanism that will enable mechanisms within the reserve management authority. making around proposed business activities. of a lack of decisions; Development of a effective and fair decision Ongoing Provision of advice ▪ Inappropriate business decision-making making around proposed and support. development that is not mechanism/ business activities. supported by all members.

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6.4 Conservation management

6.4.1 Ecosystem management The KwaZulu-Natal systematic biodiversity plan identifies conservation targets for the province. The conservation of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve contributes towards the achievement of a portion of some of these targets (Table 6.4).

Table 6.4 Systematic biodiversity planning conservation targets for vegetation types to which the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve contributes

Vegetation type Threat status Extent of Proportion of Contribution vegetation within provincial extent of to the reserve (ha) veg type within the biodiversity reserve targets Western Maputaland Clay Vulnerable 330 0.58% 1.14% Bushveld Freshwater Wetlands: Subtropical Least threatened 355 0.92% 3.15% Freshwater Wetlands: Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld Least threatened 232 0.50% 1.15% Tembe Sandy Bushveld Least threatened 14 0.02% 0.07%

6.4.2 Species management Specific management interventions related to animal and plant species will be limited to those that are for the purposes of safeguarding populations of rare and threatened species or enhancing the ecological functioning of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, to meet set conservation targets. In addition, interventions may be required for problem animal management. In addressing species management, the following guiding principles should be adhered to:

• Species management must be focussed primarily on protecting the ecological functioning of the nature reserve and meeting set conservation targets for species and vegetation types. • Population management of wildlife species may be required to ensure that such species are not causing ecological degradation of the nature reserve. • Should population management be required, live sale of game will be the first priority unless it is economically not feasible. • Animals that become a danger or excessive nuisance to persons and property due to either habituation or aberrant behaviour must be managed in accordance with relevant policies and standard operating procedures.

The operational requirements for ecosystem and species management are set out in Table 6.5.

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Table 6.5 Framework for ecosystem and species management

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

ECOSYSTEM AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT

Maintain optimal species mix ▪ Ensure that the vegetation types within the reserve ▪ Undertake annual rangeland assessments, as ▪ Ecological degradation and numbers informed by and being managed optimally for biodiversity part of the Monitoring Programme, to of habitat as shown conservation; determine the state of the habitat and the through rangeland carrying capacity estimates ▪ Animal populations are managed according to the influence of management interventions. assessments. ecological principles Implementation of recommendations of the Veld Monitoring ▪ Undertake an annual wildlife census to Provision of Programme and the results of the annual wildlife understand population sizes and trends. Ongoing rangeland technical assistance. census; ▪ Modify game species mix and numbers if they assessments. ▪ Wildlife population management is undertaken are found to be negatively impacting on through live capture of game wherever possible. biodiversity. Animals will only be culled as a last resort and where ever possible, meat must be utilised.

Ensure the conservation ▪ Adopt procedures for the management of rare and ▪ If required, veterinary intervention will be ▪ Declining numbers of Implementation of targets of threatened, rare, endangered species, based on available literature utilised for species of conservation concern; rare and threatened appropriate Provision of and known best practices. species that occur Ongoing vulnerable and endemic ▪ Habitat management activities will be management technical assistance. cognisant of the requirement of plant species within the nature species are met practices. of conservation concern. reserve.

Maintain key and sensitive ▪ Implement measures to limit human and ecological ▪ Implement appropriate measures within ▪ Impacts on unique and Implementation of impacts in unique and sensitive habitat types such sensitive habitats to limit vegetation impacts sensitive habitat types habitat types in optimal appropriate as, NFEPA wetlands and any areas of habitat with through over-utilisation through species; and the species conditions standard operating rare or threatened species. ▪ Develop standard operating procedures for associated with them. Provision of Ongoing procedures related tourism and management activities within technical advice to unique and sensitive habitats. sensitive habitat

types.

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Table 6.5 (continued)

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

ECOSYSTEM AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT

If extractive resource use is ▪ Extractive resource use must comply with the ▪ If extractive resource use is to take place, it ▪ Unsustainable use of undertaken, it is done recommendations of the Ecological Monitoring must be done sustainably. resources, such that Programme; their degradation of Ensure sustainable sustainably and conforms to Provision of ▪ Extractive resource use must comply with applicable habitats and/or Ongoing and compliant legislation relative to a technical advice legislation; vegetation. resource use. Nature Reserve. ▪ Any extractive resource use must be agreed upon by all members of the management authority.

Develop and maintain a road ▪ Develop and maintain roads that will complement ▪ An effective road network is designed and ▪ Road design negatively network based on ecological the tourism activities on the reserve. implemented. impacts on sensitive habitats. guidelines that is cognizant ▪ Design the road network such that sensitive habitats ▪ Road maintenance is adequately addressed in Provision of are avoided. the APO. ▪ Lack of road Ensure adequate of tourism needs and ecological and ▪ Maintain the road network such that risk of erosion ▪ The road network is adequately signposted. maintenance leads to Ongoing road design and compliant with legislation. management is minimised and impacts on vegetation are limited. soil erosion. maintenance. advice. ▪ Develop a tourism and a management version of the official road map. ▪ Demarcate roads using appropriate signage.

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6.4.3 Fire and herbivore management Fire and herbivore management are heavily inter-related, which requires:

• Herbivore management must allow for the recovery of desirable plant species, which requires periodic rest or alleviated herbivore pressure during the growing season. • Fire should be used as a management tool to encourage herbivore utilisation on areas that have received a level of rest or reduced usage in the previous season/s. • The overall long-term stocking rate for the reserve should not exceed its carrying capacity.

Fire plays an important role in southern African ecology, and has important effects on vegetation composition, primary productivity and nutrient cycling. The following guiding principles should be adhered to:

• Burning must be undertaken with consideration of the biodiversity conservation requirements of the site and the need to protect rare and threatened species. • Burning and fire management must be undertaken in a safe manner that is legally compliant with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act.

6.4.4 Invasive plant species control A listed invasive species means any species, which is listed in terms of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act and section 70 of the Biodiversity Act and its regulations, whose establishment and spread occurs outside of its natural distribution range. In undertaking invasive plant control, the following guiding principles will be adhered to:

• Invasive plant control will require an ongoing programme that prioritises key infestations along watercourses, drainage lines and upper catchment areas. • Innovative methods for clearing of indigenous problem plants must be sought. • Initial clearing efforts should focus on containing infestations that are most likely to spread into new areas. • All follow-up requirements must be strictly adhered to otherwise the problem will be exacerbated.

6.4.5 Soil erosion management Areas susceptible to soil erosion or showing early signs of soil erosion such as loss of vegetation cover, must be managed to prevent soil erosion.

The operational requirements for fire and herbivore management, invasive plant species control and soil erosion management are set out in Table 6.6.

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Table 6.6 Framework for fire and herbivore management, invasive plant species control and soil erosion management

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

FIRE MANAGEMENT

Development and ▪ Development of the Greater Ukuwela Fire ▪ Establishment of a series of internal ▪ Failing to develop a Fire implementation of a Management Plan, in accordance with the findings firebreaks to facilitate the recommended Management Plan. of the Ukuwela Monitoring Programme and its burning regime. comprehensive fire ▪ Inappropriate burning recommended ecological principles. ▪ Burning the reserve in accordance with the in contravention to the management plan for the ▪ Implement the burning regime in accordance with fire management plan. reserve’s fire nature reserve. the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s Fire ▪ Five-yearly review and update of the Greater management plan. Implementation of Provision of Management Plan. Annually Ukuwela Nature Reserve Fire Management ▪ Ecological degradation the burning regime technical advice. ▪ The Fire Management Plan must be compliant with Plan. as a result of the the National Veld and Forest Fires Act. ▪ Compliance with the National Veld and inappropriate use of Forests Fires Act. fire. ▪ Non-compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fires Act.

INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL

Development and ▪ Develop an invasive alien plant control plan in ▪ Implementation of invasive alien plant control ▪ Failure to develop an Advice in planning accordance with best practise principles. in accordance with the reserve’s invasive alien implementation of an alien Invasive Alien Plant plant control plan. for alien invasive and invasive species control ▪ Implement concerted, sustained control efforts in Control Plan. identified areas of invasive plant infestation, in ▪ Five-yearly review and update of the Greater Ensure plant control plan for the nature reserve. ▪ Spread of existing levels accordance with the Invasive Alien Plant Control Ukuwela Nature Reserve Invasive Alien Plant of infestation of listed Annually implementation of Assistance in the Plan. Control Plan. invasive species. invasive plant provision of ▪ Ongoing control and eradication of listed ▪ Persistence of existing control measures. chemicals and/or invasive species to a point where infestations. access to Working maintenance control is all that is required. ▪ New infestations of for Water. listed invasive species.

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Table 6.6 (continued)

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

Implementation of ▪ Exotic animals, unless under the control of ▪ Managing exotic animal species that occur on ▪ Uncontrolled exotic Implementation of management and / or residence must be removed. the reserve so that indigenous species are procedures to manage exotic animals inhibiting the exotic animal protected. Ongoing animals found within the ▪ Residents must maintain a list of exotic pets with success of indigenous management NA the members of the management authority. populations. nature reserve. activities.

SOIL EROSION CONTROL

Identify and rehabilitate ▪ Identify the requirements for soil erosion control ▪ Develop a detailed soil map of the reserve. ▪ Erosion of susceptible Appointment of a areas that have been and rehabilitation within the nature reserve. ▪ A map depicting areas of soil erosion within areas. specialist to Assistance in affected by soil erosion. ▪ Undertake preventative measures in areas with low the nature reserve. ▪ Sedimentation impacts undertake the soil mapping areas plant cover that may be at risk of soil erosion. ▪ Implementation of soil erosion control in watercourses and survey. impacted by soil wetland areas. ▪ Implement soil erosion control measures, focussing measures in areas in which plant cover is low, Ongoing erosion and strategically on areas such as those impacting on which are susceptible to erosion. Implementation of assistance with watercourses or that are growing larger. erosion and advice in managing ▪ Undertake a detailed soil survey of the reserve. rehabilitation impacted areas. control measures.

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6.5 Cultural heritage and sense of place The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve has immense scenic values that relate to the reserve’s natural beauty which contribute to its sense of place. However, little is known about the cultural heritage or historic resources of the reserve. When the opportunity arises, the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve will therefore enable research into its historical and cultural resources. It is important that these resources and its sense of place are protected. In doing so, the following guidelines apply:

• Development within the reserve must be sensitive to its sense of place and aesthetic appeal and must be designed and constructed to complement them. • Important historic, archaeological and paleontological sites and artefacts must be properly documented and preserved as an important component of South Africa’s scientific, historical and cultural heritage.

6.6 Research and monitoring The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is committed to facilitating scientific research, particularly for the benefit of conservation. In continuing to undertake scientific research and monitoring within the reserve, the following guiding principles will apply:

• Scientific research and monitoring will primarily be undertaken to assist in improving the knowledge and understanding of species, habitats and key ecological drivers within the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, thus providing for more informed management interventions. • Scientific research and monitoring that assists in broadening the knowledge and understanding of species, habitats and ecological drivers within natural systems in southern Africa will be encouraged.

The operational requirements for cultural heritage and sense of place, and research and monitoring are set out in Table 6.7.

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Table 6.7 Framework for cultural heritage and research and mo nitoring

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE

▪ As opportunities arise, the Greater Ukuwela Nature ▪ Development of a map of the historic ▪ Loss of artefacts or Generate an understanding Facilitate research Reserve will enable research into the cultural, resources on the reserve, so as to ensure damage to the integrity of the cultural, historical, through historic, archaeological and paleontological their protection. of cultural, historical or archaeological and partnerships with Provision of resources on the reserve. ▪ If funding is available undertake a more archaeological sites, as As paleontological resources on comprehensive inventory of cultural, a result of lack of required academic technical advice and the reserve. historical and archaeological artefacts within awareness. institutions and expertise. the reserve. specialists.

The cultural, historical, ▪ Identified cultural, historical, archaeological and ▪ Visitor activities are controlled and limited in ▪ Loss of artefacts or paleontological sites and artefacts are appropriately areas that have been identified as particularly damage to the integrity archaeological, and Facilitation of managed and protected to ensure that they are sensitive to visitor impacts. of cultural, historical or paleontological resources of assistance from adequately preserved. archaeological sites. Ongoing Management of the reserve are safeguarded AMAFA and relevant artefacts and sites. as per the AMAFA guidelines research and legislation. organisations.

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Table 6.7 (continued)

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Align research and ▪ Conduct regular reviews of research efforts within ▪ An annual review of research efforts is ▪ Gaps in understanding Organisation of an monitoring programmes the review to determine how their findings may conducted to discuss and disseminate key the implications of key annual forum to Participation in with reserve management inform management and to identify key gaps in findings and identify areas where further management Annually objectives. knowledge and understanding. research is required. interventions. discuss research research forums. ▪ Regularly record research requirements that will aid ▪ Discuss and highlight research needs during findings and gaps. in reserve management. planning for the APO.

Develop and maintain a ▪ Maintain a species list that includes the Regionally ▪ Development of scientific surveillance and ▪ Inability to apply and Globally Threatened, Near-Threatened, informed adaptive Development and Provision of advice biodiversity monitoring monitoring plan for the reserve that enables Protected Species, and Endemism status. management in implementation of and expertise from program that will enable effective species monitoring. response to Annually ▪ Maintain ID kits on key species on the reserve. ▪ Monitoring plans for key rare and threatened surveillance and ecological scientific adaptive management. management ▪ Maintain a camera trapping programme habitat types and species. monitoring plans. specialists. interventions. ▪ Review monitoring strategies annually.

Develop and maintain an ▪ Implement the Biodiversity Monitoring Programme ▪ Development of an effective surveillance and ▪ Lack of historic data on ecosystem monitoring that will assess the Ecological Carrying Capacity, monitoring plan for the reserve that will habitat management trends in vegetation and inform the burning regime. activities. program for the reserve that enable adaptive habitat management. Development and Provision of advice ▪ Monitor and record invasive alien plant removal, as ▪ Inability to apply will enable adaptive ▪ Review monitoring strategies annually. implementation of and expertise from per the IAP Plan. informed adaptive Annually management. ▪ Keep accurate records of habitat surveillance and ecological scientific management in ▪ Develop a fine-scale vegetation map of the reserve. management activities, including burns and response to monitoring plans specialists. ▪ Record and monitor fire succession and impact. Invasive Alien Plants (IAP) removal. management ▪ Monitor wetlands health and associated species interventions. biodiversity. Facilitate research and ▪ Ensure that the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is ▪ Engagement with partners and research ▪ Lack of knowledge or Annually Engagement with Assistance in partnerships with recognized included in or is aware of any research that is being organisations to promote research that understanding of key partners and identifying and

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educational institutions, conducted on rare and endangered species that addresses key ecological management flagship habitat types or research including the occur in the reserve, particularly those for which interventions. species. organizations and projects organisation. reserve in relevant specific conservation targets have been set. that are compliant, ethical, research efforts. ▪ Share research gaps that are identified in the annual contribute to science, and/or review with applicable institutions and have management organisations. implications.

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6.7 Socio-economic benefits 6.7.1 Fostering community partnerships and support Constructive relationships with adjacent landowners and neighbouring communities are an important aspect of the effective conservation of protected areas. In ensuring that these groups derive socio-economic benefits from the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, efforts should be aimed at developing a strong sense of partnership between the neighbours and communities around the reserve and its managers. The following guiding principles should be adhered to:

• Efforts should be made to ensure that the community members living around the nature reserve are aware of the role that it fulfils in regional economic development, biodiversity protection and the provision of ecosystem services. • Stakeholder engagement should be undertaken to engender a sense support for the nature reserve and its biodiversity conservation objectives. • A common understanding of the issues that affect both the nature reserve and the surrounding communities should be developed and efforts to resolve them should be undertaken cooperatively.

6.7.2 Environmental education, awareness and interpretation Environmental education and interpretation of the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s natural and cultural resources should be aimed at creating awareness, understanding and appreciation of its cultural importance, and the significance of its biodiversity and ecological function. In implementing the environmental education, awareness and interpretation programme, the following guiding principles should be adhered to:

• There should be a strong focus on neighbouring communities, in efforts to engage, inform and benefit them. • Wherever possible, local community members should be trained to assist and operate environmental interpretation and education programmes and tours.

6.7.3 Quantification of Ecosystem goods and services

Nature Reserves are an important provider of ecosystem goods and services to society. The conservation community needs to start highlighting their role in the provision of these services, and an important part of doing so is quantifying them. In order to highlight its importance within the landscape, the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve will, when resources allow and/or research opportunities arise, enable the quantification of the ecosystem goods and services it provides.

The operational requirements for socio-economic benefits are set out in Table 6.8

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Table 6.8 Framework for socio-economic benefits

Strategic outcome Management activities Management targets Indicators of Concern Timing Mgt. authority Partner responsibility responsibility

FOSTERING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORT

Provide employment and ▪ Ensure that the surrounding community members ▪ Wherever possible, all employment ▪ Employment and Provision of advice Implementation of business opportunities to are considered first for all job openings and business opportunities and business support are business support and support, support. provided to local communities. provided to people employment local community members. including potentially from afar. policies and other Ongoing assisting with skills efforts aimed at and capacity providing benefits development to the communities. efforts.

Where possible, support ▪ Where possible, actively enable community ▪ Community development projects result in ▪ The Greater Ukuwela programs focused on health, development and ensure that this development is positive relationships and trust with the Nature Reserve Enable active directly linked to the Greater Ukuwela Nature surrounding communities. provides no benefit to education, and social community Reserve in the minds of the people. the local communities; upliftment of communities development in a Provision of advice ▪ Upliftment initiatives surrounding the reserve, in a Ongoing way that fosters and support where are seen by local manner that community communities to be positive necessary. development is directly unrelated to the nature relationships with linked to Greater Ukuwela reserve. local communities. Nature Reserve.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND INTERPRETATION

Support environmental ▪ Focus on environmental interpretation and ▪ Provision of environmental interpretation to ▪ Lack of interest in Implementation of education programs where education amongst the nature reserve’s members of the neighbouring local implementing the neighbouring communities and visitors. communities, implemented in terms of the programme. the education, Provision of advice suitable. ▪ Employ and train members of the local community reserve’s existing programme. Ongoing awareness and and support, if to assist in and to implement the programme. interpretation required. programme.

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ECOSYSTEM GOODS AND SERVICES

Quantify the value of ▪ Enable research into the ecosystem services ▪ When resources allow, and research ▪ Lack of interest in Enabling research provided by the nature reserve. opportunities present themselves; the quantifying the benefits ecosystem services provided into the Ecosystem ecosystem services provided by the nature provided by the Greater Provision of advice by the reserve, to position services provided by reserve are quantified. Ukuwela Nature Ongoing and support, if the conservancy as a key the Greater Reserve to society. required. component in the landscape. Ukuwela Nature Reserve.

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7) MONITORING AND REPORTING Monitoring and reporting is a critical component of the adaptive management cycle. It enables the effective assessment of management interventions and, if necessary, can be used to direct modifications of management in an effort to achieve the outcomes required.

7.1 Bi-annual monitoring The bi-annual monitoring schedule should be designed to monitor the implementation of aspects of the management plan. It should be designed to be straightforward and relatively easy to implement by on-site staff.

Records should be maintained of key management interventions and of problem events or incidents such as uncontrolled access, poaching, illegal plant collection or uncontrolled/arson fires.

Scientific monitoring programmes may be established to monitor specific management interventions such as measures for the protection of flagship species. Most of the outcomes of the monitoring process will be captured in an annual report, which will be used to inform the following year’s annual plan of operation.

On this basis, a monitoring schedule for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is set out in Table 7.1.

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Table 7.1 Annual monitoring schedule for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

Management issue Parameters to be monitored Monitoring measures Monitoring frequency Responsibility Reporting requirements

Schedule of patrols Written record Weekly Annual report

Law enforcement Recovery of snares Photographs/written record Weekly Management authority Annual report

Illegal incidents Written record Per event Record of event

Species monitoring reports Specific reports to be prepared for the following: ▪ Threatened, Endangered and/or Written record Annually Management authority Annual reports protected species.

Burning of firebreaks as part of fire management Written Annually Annual report Burning of blocks as part of controlled burning record/map/photography Annually Annual report Management authority Fire Management Unplanned wildfires Written Per event Record of event record/map/photography

Game Management ▪ Annual game census; and Written record Annually Management authority Annual report ▪ Camera Trapping Programme

Rangeland condition Biodiversity Monitoring Programme Report Management authority / Grass and browse assessment Biennially Five-yearly report Ross Goode

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Table 7.1 (continued)

Management issue Parameters to be monitored Monitoring measures Monitoring frequency Responsibility Reporting requirements

Areas subject to invasive plant control

Invasive Alien Plant Control State of areas in which invasive plants have been Photographs/written record Quarterly Annual report eradicated Management authority Records of labour hours/days Written record Annually Annual report

Herbicide usage Written record Annually Annual report

Soil Erosion Control Areas subject to erosion control Annual report Photographs/written record Quarterly Management authority State of rehabilitated areas of erosion Annual report

Human Resources Staff and training levels Annual report on staff Annually Management authority Annual report

Financial management Reserve capital and operational finances Written record Annually Management authority Annual report

Facilities and infrastructure State of roads, paths, fences and dams Photographs/written records Quarterly Management authority Annual report

State of facilities and service infrastructure Maintenance Monthly Annual report schedule/written records Management authority Pollution events Photographs/written records Per event Record of event

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 67

7.2 Annual protected area management plan implementation review The purpose of undertaking an annual review of implementation of the protected area management plan will be to:

• Determine how effectively the management plan has been implemented. • Assist in determining the focus for the annual plan of operation and the setting of appropriate time frames. • Enable effective adaptive management by identifying changes and modifying management interventions.

The minutes of the annual management meeting will form the basis of the report on the management plan review. The minutes should include records of recommendations for update/changes to the five-year plan so that when the five-year plan is revised for the subsequent five years, these recommendations can be assessed and included where necessary.

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8) GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE’S ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION Each year an annual plan of operation will be prepared, based on the objectives, strategic outcomes, management activities and targets contained in the management plan.

8.1 Implementation of the management plan

Formal adoption of the Management Plan Periodic review of the Budgeting process management plan

Annual management meeting

Update and amendment of Annual management plan Annual plan of management plan objectives, strategic operation implementation outcomes, management review activities and targets

Biennial management plan review

Figure 8.1 Process for the implementation of Management Plans

Each year an annual management meeting is to be held for the biodiversity stewardship site. In terms of the implementation of the management plan, the purpose of the annual management meeting for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve will be to:

• Finalise the annual report, as part of the annual management plan review described in Section 7.2 above. • As part of the annual performance review, determine the need to modify or change any of the management plan’s objectives, strategic outcomes, management activities or targets. • Determine management activities for the coming year and to set goals for the year, based on the key performance areas set out in the management plan. • Determine how budgets will be spent in an effort to achieve the goals for each of the quarters of the coming year.

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 69

The minutes and notes of the annual management meeting will be compiled in an annual plan of operation, which will include all of the information, set out above, and will determine what management activities need to be completed for the coming year, based on the management plan. A pro forma annual plan of operation is set out in Appendix E.

8.2 Responsibilities in implementing the protected area management plan In the tables in the operational management framework, the responsibilities for the completion of management activities are identified. In many cases the people responsible for implementing the activities will be in attendance at the annual management meeting and the requirements for the achievement of the management activities can be discussed and agreed to at the meeting. In some cases, however, it may be required to refer the management activities to an individual within another partner to ensure that they implement the management activity.

8.3 The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve’s resource requirements In developing annual plans of operation for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, the resource requirements, associated with management activities and targets set out in the operational management framework must be considered and budgeted for. The following section broadly identifies the issues that must be considered in determining adequate human resources, funds and equipment for the site.

8.3.1 Staff and equipment Annual plans of operation must consider the staff, equipment and budgetary needs to undertake the following activities:

• Administration and management of the reserve. • Patrolling of the site and its boundaries. • Community liaison and the implementation of socio-economic projects aimed at improving livelihoods within the communities surrounding the reserve. • Implementation of an education, awareness and interpretation programme for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. • Periodic rangeland condition assessments and other technical ecological management activities. • An annual game census. • Annual game off-takes and population control, if required. • An annual burning programme and firefighting response to wildfires. • An ongoing invasive alien plant species control programme. • An ongoing soil erosion control and rehabilitation programme. • The implementation and maintenance of scientific research, surveillance and monitoring programmes.

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 70

• Maintenance of roads, paths and fences within the site. • Maintenance of facilities and infrastructure within the site. • Human resource management, and staff training and capacity development. • Compliance with requirements in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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REFERENCES Acocks, J.P.H. (1975) Veld Types of South Africa. Memoir of the Botanical Survey of South Africa No.40. Department of Agricultural Technical Services, Pretoria.

Bothma, J du P. (2002) Game Ranch Management. Fourth Edition. Van Schaik Publishers, Pretoria.

Camp, K.G.T. (1998) The bioresource units of KwaZulu-Natal. Cedara report N/A95/32. KZN Department of Agriculture.

Chizyuka, G. (1998) FAO Liaison Officers Summary Report, Harare.

Cowan, G.I. (2006) Guidance for the development of management plans in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003). Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria.

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (2008) The National Protected Area Expansion Strategy 2008-2012. Pretoria.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. (2010) KZN Protected Area Expansion Strategy and Action Plan (2009-2028). Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife unpublished report, Pietermaritzburg. pp. 1-63.

Goodman P.S. (2011) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Norms and Standards: Surveillance and Monitoring Plans for Biodiversity. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife unpublished report, Pietermaritzburg.

Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) (2006). The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Smit, G.N. (1989) BECVOL: Biomass estimates from canopy volumes, Version 2 – User’s Guide. University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.

Snyman, H.A. (2004) Short-term influence of fire on seedling establishment in a semi-arid grassland of South Africa. South African Journal of Botany, 70(2), 215-226.

Stolton, S., Hockings, M., Dudley, N., MacKinnon, K., Whitten, T. and Leverington, F. (2007) Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool: reporting progress at protected area sites (2nd edition). World Bank and WWF Forest Alliance.

Trollope, W.S.W. (1999) Veld Burning. In Tainton, N.M. (ed) Veld Management in South Africa. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.

Appendix A

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Alien species Species or genotypes, which are not indigenous to Ukuwela Nature Reserve and the surrounding area including hybrids and genetically altered organisms.

Biodiversity The variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part and also includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems (as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004]). Bioprospecting In relation to indigenous biological resources, means any research on, or development or application of, indigenous biological resources for commercial or industrial exploitation, and includes – the systematic search, collection or gathering of such resources or making extractions from such resources for purposes of such research, development or application (as per the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 [Act No. 10 of 2004]) Board The KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board as defined by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 (Act No.9 of 1997).

Buffer zone An area surrounding a protected area that has restrictions placed on its use or where collaborative projects and programmes are undertaken to afford additional protection to the nature reserve. Co- The term ‘Co-management’ must be understood within the context of Section 42 management of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003). Cultural As defined in Article 1 of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO) 1972 , ‘cultural heritage heritage’ is considered as “monuments, architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of (…) value from the point of view of history, art or science, groups of buildings, groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of significance from the point of view of history, art or science, sites, works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites which are of (…) value from the historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.” For the purpose of this IMP, living heritage features such as mountains, pools, rivers, boulders, etc. as well as palaeontological features are included under this definition. Ecotourism The travel to natural areas to learn about the way of life and cultural history of people, the natural history of the environment, while taking care not to change the environment and contributing to the economic welfare of the local people (adapted from a definition of ecotourism by Hecto Ceballos Lascurain).

Ecological The sum of the biological, physical and chemical components of an ecosystem and integrity its products, functions and attributes (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Ecosystem A dynamic complex of animal, plant and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]). Appendix A

Ecosystem As defined in Section 1 of the National Environmental Management: Protected services Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) as “environmental goods and services” meaning: a. Benefits obtained from ecosystems such as food, fuel and fibre and genetic resources. b. Benefits from the regulation of ecosystem processes such as climate regulation, disease and flood control and detoxification. c. Cultural non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems such as benefits of a spiritual, recreational, aesthetic, inspirational, educational, community and symbolic nature;” For the purposes of this IMP, sustainable water production is also specifically included under this definition. Environmental The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, degradation water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the loss of species or undesirable reduction of species population numbers from a specific area from an environmental health perspective Ezemvelo KZN Nature Conservation Service as established in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Wildlife Conservation Management Act No. 9 of 1997. Indigenous In relation to a specific protected area, means a species that occurs, or has species historically occurred, naturally in a free state of nature within that specific protected area, but excludes a species introduced in that protected area as a result of human activity (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Invasive Means any species whose establishment and spread outside of its natural species distribution range – a. Threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species or have a demonstrable potential to threaten ecosystems, habitats or other species. b. May result in economic and environmental harm or harm to human health. (As per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]). Joint The agreed co-ordination of management and/or management actions by management landowners and/or mandated managers on their individual or combined properties in order to achieve common management objectives. Local Any community of people living or having rights or interests in a distinct community geographical area (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]).

Management In relation to a protected area, includes control, protection, conservation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the protected area with due regard to the use and extraction of biological resources, community-based practices and benefit sharing activities in the area in a manner consistent with the Biodiversity Act (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003). Appendix A

Management In relation to a protected area, means the organ of state or other institution or authority person in which the authority to manage the protected area is vested (as per the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]). Monitoring The collection and analysis of repeated observations or measurements to evaluate change in status, distribution or integrity in order to track the impacts of directed management implemented to achieve a stated management objective. Nature The conservation of naturally occurring ecological systems, the sustainable conservation utilisation of indigenous plants and animals therein, and the promotion and maintenance of biological diversity (as per the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 [Act No.9 of 1997]).

Neighbouring The communities and people permanently living in the local municipal area/s community bordering onto the Nature Reserve. Natural As defined in Article 2 of the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO) 1972 ‘natural heritage heritage’ is as: “natural features consisting of physical and biological formations or groups of such formations, which are of (…) value from the aesthetic or scientific point of view, geological and physiographical formations and precisely delineated areas which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants of (…) value from the point of view of science or conservation, natural sites or precisely delineated natural areas of (…) value from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty.” For the purposes of this IMP, this would include the required ecological integrity of the protected area for the production of ecosystem services.

Partnerships A co-operative and / or collaborative arrangement between the Game Reserve management / EKZNW and a third party that supports the achievement of the Game Reserve management objectives.

Protected • Means any area declared or proclaimed as such in terms of section 3 or listed areas in the Second Schedule to the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act, 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997); or • Means any of the protected areas referred to in section 9 of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003). Protected area Is the management body that deals with the day-to-day management of the management protected area and is chaired by the OIC. committee Ramsar Means: “The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, signed in Convention Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty, which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.” (There are presently 158 Contracting Parties to the Convention, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognising wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities.) Appendix A

Stakeholders/ These are interested individuals or groups concerned with or affected by an activity interested and its consequences. These include the authorities, local communities, investors, parties work force, consumers, environmental interest groups and the general public. According to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), “stakeholder” means a person, an organ of state or a community contemplated in section 82 (1) (a), or an indigenous community contemplated in section 82(1) (b). Surveillance The collection and analysis of single or repeated measurements to establish status or distribution or integrity at a point in time in the absence of a specific management context or objective. Sustainable In relation to the use of a biological resource, means the use of such resource in a way and at a rate that would not lead to its long-term decline; would not disrupt the ecological integrity of the ecosystem in which it occurs; and would ensure its continued use to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations of people (as per National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). Wilderness Means an area designated in terms of section 22 or 26 for the purpose of retaining area an intrinsically wild appearance and character, or capable of being restored to such and which is undeveloped and roadless, without permanent improvements or human habitation (as defined by the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 [Act No. 57 of 2003]). World Means a World Heritage Site as defined in the World Heritage Convention Act, No. heritage site 49 of 1999 under Chapter 1, section 1 subsection (xxiv).

Appendix B

LIST OF STATUTES TO WHICH UKUWELA NATURE RESERVEIS SUBJECT Biodiversity and Cultural Resource Management and Development:

• Animals Protection Act [No. 71 of 1962] • Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act [No. 45 of 1965] • Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act [No. 43 of 1983] • Constitution of the Republic of South Africa [No. 108 of 1996] • Criminal Procedures Act [1977] • Environment Conservation Act [No. 73 of 1989] • Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act [No. 36 of 1947] • Forest Act [No. 122 of 1984] • Hazardous Substances Act [No. 15 of 1973] • KwaZulu Nature Conservation Act [No. 8 of 1975] • KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Management Act [No. 10 of 1997] • KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Management Act [No. 9 of 1997] • National Environmental Management Act [No. 107 of 1998] • National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act [No. 10 of 2004] • National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act [No. 57 of 2003] • National Forests Act [No. 84 of 1998] • National Heritage Resources Act [No. 25 of 1999] • National Water Act [No. 36 of 1998] • National Water Amendment Act [No. 45 of 1999] • National Veld and Forest Fire Act [No 101 of 1998] • Nature Conservation Ordinance [No. 15 of 1974]

General Management:

• Development Facilitation Act [No. 67 of 1995] • Disaster Management Act [No. 57 of 2002] • Fire Brigade Services Act [No. 99 of 1987] • Local Government: Municipal Systems Act [No. 32 of 2000] • National Road Traffic Act [No. 93 of 1996] • National Building Standards Act [No. 103 of 1977] • Natal Town Planning Ordinance [No. 27 of 1949] • Occupational Health and Safety Act [No. 85 of 1993] • KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act [No. 5 of 1998] • Water Services Act [No. 108 of 1997] Appendix B

Financial Management:

• Public Finance Management Act [No. 1 of 1999]

Human Resource Management:

• Basic Conditions of Employment Act [No. 75 of 1997] • Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act [No. 53 of 2003] • Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act [No. 130 of 1993] • Employment Equity Act [No. 55 of 1998] • Labour Relations Act [No. 66 of 1995] • Occupational Health and Safety Act [No. 85 of 1993] • Pension Funds Act [No. 24 of 1956] • Skills Development Act [No. 97 of 1998] • Skills Development Levies Act [No. 9 of 1999] • Unemployment Insurance Act [No. 63 of 2001]

Appendix C

COPY OF UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE’S NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION Appendix D

SPECIES LISTS Mammals Common Scientific Name Regional Global OTHER Survey / Study Name Appendix I CITES, Transient - break Acinonyx jubatus Cheetah Vulnerable Vulnerable TOPS Vulnerable, outs from Phinda Watchlist Threat. Aepyceros melampus Impala C. Wright 2017 melampus Water South Africa Mongooses Atilax paludinosus Endemism Edge Zululand Lodge 2017 (Marsh of Range Mongoose) Side-striped Canis adustus C. Wright 2017 Jackal Near Cephalophus natalensis Red Duiker Least Concern C. Wright 2017 Threatened Chlorocebus pygerythrus Vervet Monkey CITES II C. Wright 2017 Connochaetes taurinus Blue Wildebeest C. Wright 2017 Near Camera trap survey Crocuta crocuta Spotted Hyena Not Assessed TOPS Protected Threatened 2017 Chestnut Jordaan, Wright and Dendromus mystacalis Climbing Mouse Wright 2017 Burchell's Zebra Least Equus quagga Near Threatened C. Wright 2017 (Plain's Zebra) Concern Near Tops Protected, Identified by patrol Leptailurus serval Serval Least Concern Threatened CITES II. 2017 Cape Genet (Cape Large- Endemic to South C. Wright 2017 and spotted Genet, Genetta tigrina Africa and Camera Trap Survey South African Lesotho 2017 Large-spotted Genet) Hairy-footed Jordaan, Wright and Gerbilliscus leucogaster Gerbil sp. Wright 2017 (Bushveld Gerbil) Introduced Least Giraffa camelopardalis Giraffe Vulnerable November 2017 and Concern May 2018 Common Slender Herpestes sanguineus Zululand Lodge 2017 Mongoose Least Hippopotamus amphibius Hippopotamus Vulnerable CITES II C. Wright 2017 Concern Hystrix africaeaustralis Cape Porcupine C. Wright 2017 White-tailed Ichneumia albicauda C. Wright 2017 Mongoose Kobus ellipsiprymnus Waterbuck C. Wright 2018 Single-striped Mouse (Single Lemniscomys rosalia C. Wright 2017 Striped Lemniscomys) Southern African endemic. South Lepus saxatilis Scrub Hare C. Wright 2017 Africa sub-species possibly endemic Transient Species TOPS Lycaon pictus African Wild Dog Endangered Endangered break outs from Endangered. Mkhuze TOPS Protected. C. Wright 2017 and Mellivora capensis Honey Badger CITES III Camera Trap Survey (Botswana) 2017 Banded Endemism Edge Mungos mungo C. Wright 2017 Mongoose of Range Mus minutoides Pygmy Mouse C. Wright 2017 TOPS Vulnerable. A. Roberts. Edge of Range. Confirmed camera Nesotragus moschatus Suni Endangered Least Concern Sub-species trap in April and May Southern African 2018 endemic Egyptian Slit- Nycteris thebaica faced Bat (Cape B. Wright 2017 Long-eared Bat) Camera Trap Survey Orycteropus afer Aardvark 2017, diggings. Greater Bushbaby Otolemur crassicaudatus (Greater Thick- CITES II C. Wright 2017 crassicaudatus tailed Galago) Vulnerable IUCN; TOPS Vulnerable. Panthera pardus Leopard Vulnerable C. Wright 2017 Appendix I CITES CITES I Papio ursinus Chacma Baboon Least Concern CITES II B. Wright 2017 TOPS Four-toed Sengi Near Petrodromus tetradactylus Least Concern Endangered. Edge C. Wright 2017 (Elephant Shrew) Threatened of Range Common Phacochoerus africanus C. Wright 2017 Warthog Potamochoerus larvatus Bushpig C. Wright 2017 Common Reedbuck Redunca arundinum TOPS Protected C. Wright 2017 (Southern Reedbuck) Southern African Jordaan, Wright and Saccostomus campestris Pouched Mouse Wright 2017 Steatomys pratensis Fat Mouse C. Wright 2017 Grey Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia C. Wright 2017 (Common Duiker) Thryonomys swinderianus Greater Cane Rat C. Wright 2018 Tragelaphus angasii Nyala C. Wright 2017 Tragelaphus strepsiceros Greater Kudu Bruce Taylor 2017

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2

BIRDS Regional Alphabetical Name Scientific Name Endemism Local Status Ukuwela Status Southern African Apalis, Rudd’s Apalis ruddi Common Resident R. Goode 2017 Near Endemic Apalis, Yellow- Apalis flavida Common Resident C. Wright 2017 breasted Babbler, Arrow- Turdoides jardineii Common Resident C. Wright 2017 marked Tricholaema Southern African Barbet, Acacia Pied Common Resident R. Goode 2018 leucomelas Near Endemic Barbet, Black- Lybius torquatus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 collared Trachyphonus Barbet, Crested Common Resident R. Goode 2018 vaillantii Stactolaema Barbet, White-eared Common Resident C. Wright 2017 leucotis Terathopius Bateleur Endangered Common Resident C. Wright 2017 ecaudatus Batis, Chinspot Batis molitor Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Southern African Batis, Woodwards’ Batis fratrum Common Resident R. Goode 2017 Near Endemic Bee-eater, Common Summer Merops apiaster C. Wright 2017 European Migrant Bee-eater, Little Merops pusillus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Bishop, Southern Outside of Euplectes orix C. Wright 2017 Red Distribution Range Laniarius Southern African Boubou, Southern Common Resident C. Wright 2018 ferrugineus Endemic Brownbul, Phyllastrephus Common Resident B. Eggers 2018 Terrestrial terrestris Brubru Nilaus afer Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Bulbul, Dark-capped Pycnonotus tricolor Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Bunting, Golden- Emberiza Common Resident J. Balmer 2018 breasted flaviventris Bush-shrike, Chlorophoneus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Gorgeous viridis Bush-shrike, Grey- Malaconotus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 headed blanchoti Bush-shrike, Chlorophoneus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Orange-breasted sulfureopectus Bustard, Black- Lissotis Common Resident C. Wright 2017 bellied melanogaster Buttonquail, Common Turnix sylvaticus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 (Kurrichane) Crithagra Canary, Brimstone C. Wright 2019 sulphurata

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 3

Canary, Yellow- Crithagra Common Resident C. Wright 2017 fronted mozambica Thamnolaea Chat, Mocking Cliff Common Resident C. Wright 2017 cinnamomeiventris Cisticola, Pale- Cisticola Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 crowned cinnamomeus Cisticola, Rattling Cisticola chiniana Common Resident J. Balmer 2018 Cisticola, Red-faced Cisticola erythrops Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola juncidis Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Phalacrocorax Cormorant, Reed Common Resident C. Wright 2017. africanus Cormorant, White- Phalacrocorax Common Resident C. Wright 2017. breasted lucidus Centropus Coucal, Burchell’s Common Resident C. Wright 2017. burchellii Courser, Bronze- Rhinoptilus Common Resident C. Wright 2018. winged chalcopterus Crombec, Long- Sylvietta rufescens Common Resident C. Wright 2017 billed Uncommon Summer Cuckoo, African Cuculus gularis C. Wright 2017 Migrant Cuckoo, African Chrysococcyx Common Summer R. Goode 2018 Emerald cupreus Migrant Common Summer Cuckoo, Black Cuculus clamosus C. Wright 2017 Migrant Chrysococcyx Common Summer Cuckoo, Diederik C. Wright 2017 caprius Migrant Uncommon Summer Cuckoo, Jacobin Clamator jacobinus C. Wright 2017 Migrant Cuckoo, Klaas’s Chrysococcyx klaas Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Clamator Common Summer Cuckoo, Levaillant’s R. Goode 2018 levaillantii Migrant Cuckoo, Red- Common Summer Cuculus solitarius C. Wright 2017 chested Migrant Cuckooshrike, Black Campephaga flava Common Resident J. Balmer 2018 Darter, African Anhinga rufa Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Streptopelia Dove, Cape Turtle Common Resident C. Wright 2017 capicola Dove, Emerald- Turtur chalcospilos Common Resident C. Wright 2017 spotted Wood Streptopelia Dove, Laughing Common Resident R. Goode 2018 senegalensis Dove, Namaqua Oena capensis Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017 Streptopelia Dove, Red-eyed Common Resident C. Wright 2017 semitorquata Dove, Rock Columba livia INTRODUCED R. Goode 2018 Dove, Tambourine Turtur tympanistria Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Drongo, Fork-tailed Dicrurus adsimilis Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Drongo, Square- Dicrurus ludwigii Common Resident R. Goode 2018 tailed

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Duck, White-faced Dendrocygna Common resident C. Wright 2017 Whistling viduata Duck, Yellow-billed Anas undulata Common resident A. Roberts 2017 Eagle, African Fish Haliaeetus vocifer Common resident R. Goode 2018 Eagle, African Hawk Aquila spilogaster Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 Eagle, Black-chested Circaetus pectoralis Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017 Snake Eagle, Brown Snake Circaetus cinereus Common resident C. Wright 2017 Stephanoaetus Eagle, Crowned Vulnerable Common resident R. Goode 2018 coronatus Eagle, Lesser Common Summer Clanga pomarina C. Wright 2017 Spotted migrant Lophaetus Eagle, Long-crested Common resident C. Wright 2017 occipitalis Polemaetus Eagle, Martial Endangered Common resident C. Wright 2017 bellicosus Eagle, Southern Circaetus Critically Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017 Banded Snake fasciolatus Endangered Hieraaetus Common Summer Eagle, Wahlberg’s R. Goode 2018 wahlbergi migrant Egret, Great Egretta alba Common resident C. Wright 2017 Egret, Little Egretta garzetta Common resident C. Wright 2018 Eremomela, Burnt- Eremomela Common resident R. Goode 2018 necked usticollis Uncommon Summer Falcon, Amur Falco amurensis C. Wright 2019 migrant Podica Finfoot, African Vulnerable Uncommon Resident A. Roberts 2016 senegalensis Lagonosticta Firefinch, African Common resident R. Goode 2018 rubricata Lagonosticta Firefinch, Jameson’s Common resident C. Wright 2017 rhodopareia Lagonosticta Firefinch, Red-billed Common resident C. Wright 2017 senegala Fiscal, Southern Lanius collaris Common resident C. Wright 2017 (Common) Flycatcher, African Muscicapa adusta Common resident B. Eggers 2017 Dusky Flycatcher, African Terpsiphone viridis Common resident C. Wright 2017 Paradise Muscicapa Flycatcher, Ashy Common resident R. Goode 2018 caerulescens Flycatcher, Blue- Trochocercus Common resident R. Goode 2018 mantled Crested cyanomelas Myioparus Flycatcher, Grey Tit- Common resident R. Goode 2018 plumbeus Flycatcher, Pale Bradornis pallidus Common resident R. Goode 2018 Flycatcher, Melaenornis Common resident C. Wright 2017 Southern Black pammelaina Common Summer Flycatcher, Spotted Muscicapa striata R. Goode 2018 Migrant

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Dendroperdix Francolin, Crested Common resident C. Wright 2017 sephaena Alopochen Goose, Egyptian Common resident C. Wright 2017 aegyptiaca Plectropterus Goose, Spur-winged Common resident C. Wright 2017 gambensis Goshawk, African Accipiter tachiro Common resident C. Wright 2017 Goshawk, Gabar Melierax gabar Uncommon resident R. Goode 2018 Tachybaptus Grebe, Little Common resident C. Wright 2018 ruficollis Andropadus Greenbul, Sombre Common Resident C. Wright 2017 importunus Greenbul, Yellow- Chlorocichla Common Resident C. Wright 2017 bellied flaviventris Greenshank, Common Summer Tringa nebularia R. Goode 2018 Common Migrant Guineafowl, Crested Guttera pucherani Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Guineafowl, Numida meleagris Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Helmeted Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Harrier, African Circus ranivorus Endangered Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Marsh Hawk, African Polyboroides typus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Harrier- Helmet-shrike, Prionops retzii Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Retz’s Helmet-shrike, Prionops plumatus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 White-crested Heron, Black- Nycticorax Common Resident C. Wright 2017 crowned Night nycticorax Heron, Black- Ardea Common Resident R. Goode 2018 headed melanocephala Heron, Goliath Ardea goliath Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Heron, Green- Butorides striata Common Resident C. Wright 2017 backed Heron, Grey Ardea cinerea Common Resident C. Wright 2016 Heron, Purple Ardea purpurea Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Heron, Squacco Ardeola ralloides Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 Honeyguide, Indicator indicator Common Resident J. Balmer 2018 Greater Honeyguide, Lesser Indicator minor Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Honeyguide, Scaly- Indicator Common Resident R. Goode 2018 throated variegatus Hoopoe, African Upupa africana Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Tockus Hornbill, Crowned Common Resident C. Wright 2017 alboterminatus Bycanistes Hornbill, Trumpeter Common Resident C. Wright 2017 bucinator Ibis, Glossy Plegadis falcinellus Common Resident R. Goode 2018

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Bostrychia Ibis, Hadeda Common Resident C. Wright 2017 hagedash Indigobird, Dusky Vidua funerea Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Indigobird, Village Vidua chalybeata Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Actophilornis Jacana, African Common Resident R. Goode 2018 africanus Kingfisher, African Common Summer Ispidina picta R. Goode 2018 Pygmy Migrant Kingfisher, Brown- Halcyon albiventris Common Resident C. Wright 2017 hooded Megaceryle Kingfisher, Giant Common Resident C. Wright 2017 maxima Kingfisher, Half- Alcedo Near Common Resident R. Goode 2018 collared semitorquata Threatened Kingfisher, Alcedo cristata Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Ceryle rudis Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Kingfisher, Striped Halcyon chelicuti Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Kingfisher, Halcyon Common Summer R. Goode 2018 Woodland senegalensis Migrant Kite, Black- Elanus caeruleus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 shouldered Common Summer Kite, Yellow-billed Milvus aegyptius C. Wright 2017 Migrant Korhaan, Red- Southern African Lophotis ruficrista Common Resident C. Wright 2017 crested Near Endemic Lapwing, African Vanellus senegallus Common resident C. Wright 2018 Wattled Lapwing, Blacksmith Vanellus armatus Common resident R. Goode 2018 Lapwing, Crowned Vanellus coronatus Common resident C. Wright 2018 Lapwing, Senegal Vanellus lugubris Common resident C. Wright 2017 Mirafra Lark, Flappet Common resident C. Wright 2017 rufocinnamomea Lark, Rufous-naped Mirafra africana Common resident C. Wright 2017 Calendulauda Lark, Sabota Common resident C. Wright 2017 sabota Longclaw, Yellow- Macronyx croceus Common resident C. Wright 2018 throated Mannikin, Bronze Lonchura cucullata Common resident C. Wright 2017 Lonchura Mannikin, Magpie Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017 fringilloides Moorhen, Common Gallinula chloropus Common resident R. Goode 2018 Paragallinula Uncommon Summer Moorhen, Lesser R. Goode 2018 angulata Migrant Mousebird, Red- Urocolius indicus Common resident C. Wright 2017 faced Mousebird, Colius striatus Common resident C. Wright 2017 Speckled INTRODUCED. Myna, Common Acridotheres tristis C. Wright 2017 Common Resident Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Nicator, Eastern Nicator gularis Common Resident C. Wright 2017

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Caprimulgus Common Summer Nightjar, European R. Goode 2018 europaeus Migrant Nightjar, Fiery- Caprimulgus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 necked pectoralis Nightjar, Square- Caprimulgus fossii Common Resident R. Goode 2018 tailed Caprimulgus Nightjar, Swamp Vulnerable Common Resident R. Goode 2018 natalensis Anastomus Openbill, African Common Resident C. Wright 2017 lamelligerus Oriole, Black- Oriolus larvatus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 headed Common Summer Osprey, Western Pandion haliaetus R. Goode 2018 Migrant Owl, African Wood Strix woodfordii Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Owl, Spotted Eagle- Bubo africanus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Owl, Verreaux’s Bubo lacteus Uncommon resident R. Goode 2018 Eagle- Owl, Western Barn Tyto alba Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Oxpecker, Red- Buphagus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 billed erythrorynchus Painted-snipe, Rostratula Near Uncommon resident R. Goode 2018 Greater benghalensis Threatened Pelecanus Pelican, Great White Vulnerable Common Resident C. Wright 2017 onocrotalus Pelecanus Pelican, Pink-backed Vulnerable Common Resident R. Goode 2018 rufescens Penduline-tit, Grey Anthoscopus caroli Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Petronia, Yellow- Gymnoris Common Resident R. Goode 2018 throated superciliaris Pigeon, African Treron calvus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Green Anthus Pipit, African Common Resident R. Goode 2018 cinnamomeus Charadrius Plover, Kittlitz’s Common Resident R. Goode 2018 pecuarius Plover, Three- Charadrius Common Resident C. Wright 2017 banded tricollaris Common Summer Pratincole, Collared Glareola pratincola R. Goode 2018 Migrant Prinia, Tawny- Prinia subflava Common Resident R. Goode 2017 flanked Puffback, Black- Dryoscopus cubla Common Resident R. Goode 2018 backed Pytilia, Green- Pytilia melba Common Resident R. Goode 2018 winged Ortygospiza Quail-finch, African Common Resident Ross Goode 2018 fuscocrissa Common Summer Quail, Common Coturnix coturnix R. Goode 2018 Migrant Quelea, Red-billed Quelea quelea Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017

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Uncommon Summer Quelea, Red-headed Quelea erythrops R. Goode 2018 Migrant Robin-chat, Red- Cossypha Common Resident C. Wright 2017 capped natalensis Robin-chat, White- Cossypha heuglini Common Resident R. Goode 2018 browed Robin-chat, White- Cossypha Southern African Common Resident R. Goode 2017 throated humeralis Endemic Robin, Bearded Cercotrichas Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Scrub quadrivirgata Robin, White- Cercotrichas Common Resident J. Balmer 2018 browed Scrub leucophrys Eurystomus Common Summer Roller, Broad-billed R. Goode 2018 glaucurus Migrant Near Common Summer Roller, European Coracias garrulus R. Goode 2018 Threatened Migrant Roller, Lilac- Coracias caudatus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 breasted Roller, Purple Coracias naevius Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Philomachus Common Summer Ruff R. Goode 2018 pugnax Migrant Common Summer Sandpiper, Common Actitis hypoleucos R. Goode 2018 Migrant Common Summer Sandpiper, Marsh Tringa stagnatilis R. Goode 2018 Migrant Psalidoprocne Saw-wing, Black Common Resident R. Goode 2018 pristoptera Scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Common cyanomelas Sagittarius Secretarybird Vulnerable Common Resident A. Roberts 2016 serpentarius Shikra Accipiter badius Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Common Summer Shrike, Red-backed Lanius collurio R. Goode 2018 Migrant Gallinago Snipe, African R. Goode 2018 nigripennis INTRODUCED. Sparrow, House Passer domesticus C. Wright 2017 Common Resident. Sparrow, Southern Passer diffusus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Grey-headed Accipiter Sparrowhawk, Black Common Resident R. Goode 2018 melanoleucus Sparrowhawk, Little Accipiter minullus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Spoonbill, African Platalea alba Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Starling, Cape Lamprotornis Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Glossy nitens Creatophora Starling, Wattled Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017 cinerea Himantopus Stilt, Black-winged Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 himantopus Stonechat, African Saxicola torquatus Common Resident C. Wright 2017

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Ephippiorhynchus Stork, Saddle-billed Endangered Common Resident C. Wright 2017 senegalensis Common Summer Stork, White Ciconia ciconia C. Wright 2017 Migrant Stork, Woolly- Ciconia episcopus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 necked Chalcomitra Sunbird, Amethyst Common Resident B. Eggers 2017 amethystina Anthodiaeta Sunbird, Collared Common Resident R. Goode 2018 collaris Sunbird, Grey Cyanomitra veroxii Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Cinnyris Sunbird, Marico Common Resident J. Balmer 2018 mariquensis Sunbird, Southern African Cinnyris neergaardi Vulnerable Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Neergaard’s Endemic Sunbird, Purple- Cinnyris bifasciatus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 banded Sunbird, Scarlet- Chalcomitra Common Resident C. Wright 2017 chested senegalensis Sunbird, White- Cinnyris talatala Common Resident C. Wright 2017 bellied Common Summer Swallow, Barn Hirundo rustica C. Wright 2017 Migrant Swallow, Lesser Cecropis abyssinica Common resident B. Eggers 2017 Striped Swallow, White- Common Summer Hirundo albigularis C. Wright 2017 throated Migrant Swallow, Wire- Hirundo smithii Common resident R. Goode 2018 tailed Swift, African Palm Cypsiurus parvus Common resident R. Goode 2018 Swift, Little Apus affinis Common resident R. Goode 2018 Tchagra, Black- Tchagra senegalus Common resident C. Wright 2017 crowned Tchagra, Brown- Tchagra australis Common resident R. Goode 2018 crowned Teal, Cape Anas capensis Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 Teal, Hottentot Anas hottentota Common resident R. Goode 2018 Anas Teal, Red-billed Common resident R. Goode 2018 erythrorhyncha Tern, Whiskered Chlidonias hybrida Common resident R. Goode 2018 Chlidonias Uncommon Summer Tern, White-winged R. Goode 2018 leucopterus Migrant Thick-knee, Spotted Burhinus capensis Common resident R. Goode 2018 Burhinus Thick-knee, Water Common resident C. Wright 2017 vermiculatus Thrush, Kurrichane Turdus libonyanus Common resident R. Goode 2018 Tinkerbird, Red- Pogoniulus pusillus Common resident C. Wright 2017 fronted Tit, Southern Black Parus niger Common resident B. Eggers 2017 Zululand Lodge Trogon, Narina Apaloderma narina Common resident 2017

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Turaco, Purple- Tauraco Common Resident C. Wright 2017 crested porphyreolophus Twinspot, Green Mandingoa nitidula Common Resident B. Wright 2017 Twinspot, Pink- Hypargos Southern African Common Resident R. Goode 2018 throated margaritatus Endemic Vulture, Lappet- Torgos tracheliotos Endangered Common Resident B. Taylor 2018 faced Vulture, White- Critically Gyps africanus Common Resident B. Taylor 2018 backed Endangered Wagtail, African Motacilla aguimp Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Pied Warbler, African Acrocephalus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Reed baeticatus Warbler, Dark- Common Winter Iduna natalensis R. Goode 2018 capped Yellow Migrant Acrocephalus Common Summer Warbler, Great Reed R. Goode 2018 arundinaceus Migrant Warbler, Lesser Acrocephalus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Swamp gracilirostris Bradypterus Warbler, Little Rush Common Resident R. Goode 2018 baboecala Acrocephalus Common Summer Warbler, Marsh R. Goode 2018 palustris Migrant Acrocephalus Uncommon Summer Warbler, Sedge R. Goode 2018 schoenobaenus Migrant Warbler, Stierling’s Calamonastes Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Wren- stierlingi Phylloscopus Common Summer Warbler, Willow R. Goode 2018 trochilus Migrant Uraeginthus Waxbill, Blue Common Resident C. Wright 2017 angolensis Waxbill, Common Estrilda astrild Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Waxbill, Grey Estrilda perreini Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Waxbill, Orange- Amandava Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 breasted subflava South Africa Near Coccopygia Endemic. Waxbill, Swee Common Resident R. Goode 2018 melanotis Southern Africa Endemic. Weaver, Dark- Ploceus bicolor Common Resident C. Wright 2017 backed Weaver, Red- Anaplectes Uncommon Resident C. Wright 2017 headed rubriceps Weaver, Southern Ploceus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Brown-throated xanthopterus Weaver, Southern Ploceus velatus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Masked Weaver, Spectacled Ploceus ocularis Common Resident B. Wright 2017

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Amblyospiza Weaver, Thick-billed Common Resident C. Wright 2017 albifrons Weaver, Village Ploceus cucullatus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Weaver, Yellow Ploceus subaureus Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Numenius Common Summer Whimbrel, Common R. Goode 2018 phaeopus Migrant White-eye, African Zosterops Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Yellow senegalensis Whydah, Long- Vidua paradisaea Common Resident C. Wright 2017 tailed Paradise Whydah, Pin-tailed Vidua macroura Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Widowbird, Fan- Euplectes axillaris Common Resident R. Goode 2018 tailed Widowbird, Red- Euplectes ardens Common Resident C. Wright 2017 collared Widowbird, White- Euplectes Common Resident C. Wright 2017 winged albonotatus Wood-hoopoe, Phoeniculus Common Resident R. Goode 2018 Green purpureus Woodpecker, Dendropicos Uncommon Resident R. Goode 2018 Bearded namaquus Woodpecker, Dendropicos Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Cardinal fuscescens Woodpecker, Campethera Common Resident C. Wright 2017 Golden-tailed abingoni

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REPTILES Scientific Name Common Name Regional Endemism Ukuwela Stigmochelys pardalis Leopard Tortoise A. Roberts 2016 Eastern Hinged-back Kinixys zombensis Least Concern A. Roberts 2016 Tortoise Serrated Hinged Pelusios sinuatus C. Wright 2017 Terrapin Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile Vulnerable C. Wright 2017 Southern African Python natalensis A. Roberts 2016 Python Common House Boaedon capensis Snake (Brown House C. D. Wright 2018 Snake) Jordaan, Wright and Wright Gonionotophis nyassae Black File Snake 2017 Dipsadoboa aulica Marbled Tree Snake P. Jordaan 2017 East African Shovel- Jordaan, Wright and Wright Prosymna stuhlmannii snout 2017 possibly Rhombic Egg-eater Southern Dasypeltis scabra C. Wright 2018 (common) Africa Endemic Bibron's Stiletto Atractaspis bibronii Snake (Bibron's Zululand Lodge 2017 Burrowing Asp) Dispholidus typus Boomslang A. Roberts 2016 Southern Southern Twig Snake Thelotornis capensis Africa B. Wright 2018 (Vine Snake) Endemic Psammophis mossambicus Olive Grass Snake C. Wright 2017 Southern Short-snouted grass Psammophis brevirostris Africa C. Wright 2017 snake Endemic Black-headed Centipede-eater Jordaan, Wright and Wright Aparallactus capensis (Cape Centipede- 2017 eater) Mozambique Spitting Naja mossambica Zululand Lodge 2017 Cobra Naja annulifera Snouted Cobra Zululand Lodge 2017 Dendroaspis polylepis Black Mamba A. Roberts 2016 Amblyodipsas polylepis Common Purple- C. Wright 2018 polylepis glossed snake Striped Harlequin Jordaan, Wright and Wright Homoroselaps dorsalis Snake 2017 Southern Xenocalamus bicolor Striped Quil-snouted Africa Zululand Lodge 2017 lineatus Snake Endemic Nile Monitor (Water Varanus niloticus C. Wright 2017 Monitor) Acamthocercus atricollis Southern Tree C. Wright 2017 atricollis Agama Trachylepis margaritifer Rainbow Skink C. Wright 2017

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Jordaan, Wright and Wright Trachylepsis varia Variable Skink 2017 Wahlberg's Snake- Jordaan, Wright and Wright Afroablepharus wahlbergii Eyed Skink 2017 Common Flap- Chamaeleo dilepis C. Wright 2019 necked Chameleon

Setaro's Dwarf Bradypodion setaroi A. Roberts 2016 Chameleon

Wahlberg's Velvet Homopholis walbergii I. Engelbrecht 2017 Gecko Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia C. Wright 2017 (Mareau's) Common Dwarf Jordaan, Wright and Wright Lygodactylus capansis Gecko (cape) 2017 Southern Acontia plumbeus Giant Legless Skink Africa C. Wright 2017 Endemic

AMPHIBIANS Scientific Name Common Name Endemism Ukuwela Eastern Olive Toad Amietophrynus garmani C. Wright 2017 (Garman's Toad) Amietophrynus gutturalis Guttural Toad C. Wright 2017 Boettger’s Caco (Boettger’s Jordaan, Wright and Cacosternum boettgeri Dainty Frog) Wright 2017 Southern Foam Nest Frog Chiromantis xerampelina C. Wright 2017 (Gray Tree Frog) Hyperolius marmoratus Painted Reed Frog C. Wright 2018

Bubbling Kassina (Senegal Kassina senegalensis C. Wright 2017 Running Frog)

Brown-backed Tree Frog Endemic in Southern Leptopelis mossambicus I. Engelbrecht 2018 (Mozambique Tree Frog) Africa Phrynobatrachus Dwarf Puddle Frog (Mababe C. Wright 2017 mababiensis River Frog) Phrynobatrachus Snoring Puddle Frog (Natal Jordaan, Wright and

natalensis Puddle Frog) Wright 2017

Banded Rubber Frog (South Phrynomantis bifasciatus C. Wright 2017 African Snake-necked Frog)

Poyntonophrynus Northern Pygmy Toad Jordaan, Wright and

fenoulheti (Transvaal Dwarf Toad) Wright 2017 African Bullfrog (Edible Pyxicephalus edulis A. Roberts 2017 Bullfrog) Jordaan, Wright and Schismaderma carens Red Toad Wright 2017 Tremolo Sand Frog (Cryptic Jordaan, Wright and Tomopterna cryptotis Sand Frog) Wright 2017 Tomopterna krugerensis Knocking Sand Frog C. Wright 2017 Hyperolius argus Argus Tree Frog C. Wright 2019

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FISH AND CRUSTACEANS Alphabetical Name Scientific Name Ukuwela

Barb, Straightfin Barbus paludinosus Recorded

Barb, Threespot Barbus trimaculatus Recorded Catfish, Blunt-tooth African Clarias ngamensis * Recorded

Catfish, Sharp-tooth Clarias gariepinus Recorded

Labeo, Silver Labeo ruddi * Recorded

Perchlet, Commerson's Glassy Ambassis ambassis Recorded Tilapia, Black Oreochromis placidus * Recorded

Tilapia, Mozambique Oreochromis mossambicus C. Wright 2017

Tilapia, Northern Redbreast Tilapia rendalli Recorded Fresh Water Crab Potamonautes sp C. Wright 2019

TREES Common Name Scientific Name Status Endemism Survey / Study Flame Thorn Acacia ataxacantha R. Goode 2018 Sticky Acacia Acacia borleae R. Goode 2018 Acacia brevispica subsp. Prickly Thorn R. Goode 2018 dregeana Black Monkey Thorn Acacia burkei C. Wright 2017 Red Thorn Acacia gerrardii R. Goode 2018 Sweet Thorn Acacia karoo C. Wright 2017 Acacia luederitzii var Balloon Thorn R. Goode 2018 retinens R. Goode Veld Pale-bark Sweet Thorn Acacia natalitia Assessment 2018 Scented Thorn Acacia nilotica R. Goode 2018 Brack Thorn Acacia robusta R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld River Climbing Thorn Acacia schweinfurthii Assessment 2018 Three-hook Thorn Acacia senegal R. Goode 2018 Umbrella Thorn Acacia tortillis C. Wright 2017 Fever Tree Acacia xanthophloea C. Wright 2017 Large-leaf Albizia Albizia versicolor R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Aloe parvibracteata Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld White Pear Apodytes dimidiata Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Bee-Sting Bush/Needle Bush Azima tetracantha Assessment 2018

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R. Goode Veld Small Green Thorn Balanites pedicellaris Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Red Ivory Berchemia zeyheri Assessment 2018 Coast Silver Oak Brachylaena discolor R. Goode 2018 Blue Sweetberry Bridelia cathartica Near endemic R. Goode 2018 Mauve Cadaba Cadaba natalensis R. Goode 2018 Cape Chestnut Calodendrum capense R. Goode 2018 Common Turkey-berry Canthium inerme R. Goode 2018 Narrow-leaf Caper-bush Capparis brassi R. Goode 2018 Wild Capper-bush Capparis sepiaria R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Woolly Caper-bush Capparis tomentosa Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Sand Forest Num-Num Carissa tetramera Near endemic Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Forest Num-Num Carrisa bispinosa Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Round-leaved vine Cissus rotundifolia Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Small Bone-Apple Coddia rudis Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Velvet Bushwillow Combretum molle Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Septee Cordia caffra Assessment 2018 Cape Rattle Pod Crotoleria natalensis R. Goode 2018 Maputaland Fever-Berry Croton steenkampianus Endemic C. Wright 2018 Zulu Cabbage-Tree Cussonia zuluensis R. Goode 2018 Sicklebush Dichrostachys cinerea C. Wright 2017 R. Goode Veld Bluebush Diospyros lycoides Assessment 2018 Sourberry Kei-apple Dovyalis rhamnoides R. Goode 2018 Apricot Kei-apple Dovyalis zeyheri R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Kei-apple Dovyallis caffra Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Sandpaper-bush Ehretia amoena Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Puzzle Bush Ehretia rigida Assessment 2018 RL - Near Elaeodendron Threatened. R. Goode Veld Transvaal Saffron Protected transvaalense Protected Assessment 2018 Tree Coast Coral Tree Erythrina caffra R. Goode 2018 Dwarf Coral Tree Erythrina humeana B. Wright 2019 Common Coral Tree Erythrina lysistemon R. Goode 2018 - Euclea crispa R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld White-stem Guarri Euclea daphnoides Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Magic Guarri Euclea divinorum Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Natal Guarri Euclea natalensis Assessment 2018

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Common Guarri Euclea undulata R. Goode 2018 Common tree Euphorbia Euphorbia ingens C. Wright 2017 R. Goode Veld Rubber Euphorbia Euphorbia tirucalli Assessment 2018 Ficus burkei Common Wild Fig R. Goode 2018 (=F.thonningii) Lowveld Fig Ficus stuhlmannii R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Common Cluster Fig Ficus sycomorus Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld White-berry Bush Flueggea virosa Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Transvaal Privet Galpinia transvaalica Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Tonga Gardenia Gardenia cornuta Assessment 2018 Transvaal Gardenia Gardenia volkensii R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Cross-berry Grewia occidentalis Assessment 2018 Gymnosporia R. Goode Veld

heterophylla Assessment 2018 Gymnosporia R. Goode Veld

maranguensis Assessment 2018 Gymnosporia R. Goode Veld Red Spikethorn senegalensis Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld False Horsewood Hippobromus paiciflorus Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Lala Palm Hyphaene coriacea Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Rhino-Coffee Kraussia floribunda Assessment 2018 Broad-bean Tree Maerua angolensis R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Spider Bush Maerua caffra Assessment 2018 Maerua juncea subsp. Rough-skin Bush-cherry B.Wright 2018 Crustata Cork Bush Mundelea sericea R. Goode 2018 Ormocarpum R. Goode Veld Catepillar Bush trichocarpum Assessment 2018 Resin-tree Ozoroa paniculosa R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Jacket-Plum Pappea capensis Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Narrow-leaf Brides-bush Pavetta gracilifolia Assessment 2018 Weeping Wattle Peltophorum africanum R. Goode 2018 Wild Date Palm Phoenix reclinata R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Potato Bush Phyllanthus reticulatus Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld False Turjey-Berry Plectroniella armata Assessment 2018 False Forest Spike-Thorn Putterlickia verrucosa R. Goode 2018 Baboon Grape Rhoicissus digitata R. Goode 2018 Lowveld Grape Rhoicissus schlechteri R. Goode 2018

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R. Goode Veld Bushman's Grape Rhoicissus tridentata Assessment 2018 Salacia kraussii R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Weeping Boer-bean Schotia brachypetala Assessment 2018 Dwarf Boer-bean Schotia capitata R. Goode 2018 Sclerocarya birrea subsp. Marula Protected C. Wright 2017 Caffra Scolopia zeyheri R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Cat-Thorn Scutia myrtina Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Thorny karee Searsia gueinzii Assessment 2018 Crow-berry Searsia pentheri R. Goode 2018 White Milkwood Sideroxylon inerme Protected R. Goode 2018 Tamboti Spirostachys africana C. Wright 2017 R. Goode Veld Green Monkey Orange Strychnos spinosa Assessment 2018 Toad Tree Tabernaemonta elegans R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Wild Tulip Tree Thespesia acutiloba Assessment 2018 Thilachium africanum R. Goode 2018 Natal Mahogany Trichilia emetica B. Wright 2018 Wild Honeysuckle Tree Turraea floribunda R. Goode 2018 Small Honeysuckle Tree Turraea obtusifolia R. Goode 2018 Wild Medlar Vangueria infausta R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Lowveld Bitter tea Vernonia colorata Assessment 2018 Blue Sourplum Ximenia americana R. Goode 2018 Sourplum Ximenia caffra R. Goode 2018 R. Goode Veld Small Knobwood Zanthoxylum capensis Assessment 2018 R. Goode Veld Buffalo-Thorn Ziziphus mucronata Assessment 2018 Donkeyberry Grewia flavescens B. Wright 2019

GRASSES Scientific Name Common Name Type Ukuwela Panicum coloratum Small Buffalo Grass Decreaser R Goode Panicum deustum Broad-leaved Panicum Decreaser R Goode Panicum maximum White Buffalo Grass Decreaser R Goode Themeda triandra Red Grass Decreaser R Goode Melinis repens Natal Red-top Increaser II C. Wright 2017 Sporobolus nitens Curly-leaved Dropseed Increaser II R Goode Urochloa mosambicensis Bushveld Signal Grass Increaser II R Goode Leptachloe chinensis R Goode Cyperus dives Giant sedge R Goode

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WILD FLOWERS Scientific Name Common Name Regional Endemism Ukuwela Abutilon sonneratianum Forest Abutilon W. Hapgood 2018

Barleria elegans White Bushveld Barleria B.Wright 2018

Cienfuegosia hildebrandtii Small Cotton Bush B. Wright 2019 Commelina africana Yellow Commelina B.Wright 2018 Corchorus asplenifolius - B.Wright 2019 Crassula expansa Fragile Crassula B.Wright 2019 Maputaland Grass Crinum acaule Near Threatened Endemic B.Wright 2018 Crinum Crossandra zuluensis Zulu Crossandra Endemic B.Wright 2018 Cyphostemma natalitium - B. Wright 2019 Erianthemum dregei Hairy Mistletoe B. Wright 2019 Evolvulus alsinoides Blue Haze B.Wright 2018 R. Goode Veld Gossypium herbaceum Wild Cotton Assessment 2018 Common Wild Jasmin Jasminum multipartitum B.Wright 2018 (Starry) R. Goode Veld Jasminum streptopus Assessment 2018 Justicia flava Yellow Justicia B.Wright 2018 Kalanchoe rotundifolia Common Kalanchoe B.Wright 2018 Lobelia flaccida Wild Lobelia B.Wright 2018 Nymphaea nouchali Blue Waterlily B.Wright 2018 Polygala amatymbica Dwarf Polygala B.Wright 2018 Sansevieria hyacinthoides Mother-in-law's-tongue C. Wright 2018

Sansevieria metallica Giant Sansevieria Critically rare South Africa Endemic C. Wright 2017

Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. Fire-ball Lily C. Wright 2017 multiflorus Senecio barbertonicus Succulent Bush Senecio B.Wright 2018 Senecio brachypodus - B.Wright 2019 Sesamum alatum Wing-seeded Sesame B.Wright 2018 R. Goode Veld Solanum spp. Assessment 2018 Stylochiton natalensis Bushveld Arum B.Wright 2018 R. Goode Veld Thunbergia dregeana Haarbossie Assessment 2018 Tribulus terrestris Devil Thorns B. Wright 2018 Viscum verrucosum Warty Mistletoe B. Wright 2018 Zornia capensis Caterpillar Bean B. Wright 2018 Solanum nigrum Black night shade B. Wright 2018 Ehretia rigida Puzzle Bush B. Wright 2018 Chlorophytum cooperi B. Wright 2018 Vernonia sp. B. Wright 2018 Hypoxis sp. Star-flower B. Wright 2018 Turbina oblongata B. Wright 2018

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 19

Ruellia sp. Wild petunia B. Wright 2018 Eulophia speciosa Orchid C. D. Wright 2018 Elichrysum revolutum Pale everlasting B. Wright 2018 Heliotropium sp. Heliotrope B. Wright 2018 Lasiosiphon sp. Yellowhead B. Wright 2018 Sesbania sesban ssp. sesban River-bean B. Wright 2018 var. nubica Senecio viminalis B. Wright 2018 Aizoon canariense African baconfig B. Wright 2018 Gardenia cornuta Gardenia B. Wright 2018 Delosperma tradescantioides Stone plant B. Wright 2018 Helichrysum argyrosphaerum Wild everlasting B. Wright 2019 Priva adhaerens B. Wright 2019 Carissa bispinosa B. Wright 2019 Psychotria capensis capensis Black birdberry B. Wright 2019 Stlylochaeton natalensis Bushveld Arum B. Wright 2019 Stapelia gigantea Carrion flower B. Wright 2019

FUNGI Scientific Name Common Name Ukuwela Pycnoporus sanguineus Bracket fungi B. Wright 2018 Usnea sp. Beard lichen B. Wright 2018

Teloschistes sp. Sac fungi B. Wright 2018 Schizophyllum commune Splitgill mushroom B. Wright 2018

Agaricus crocopeplus Golden fleece mushroom B. Wright 2019

Termitomyces sp. Gilled mushroom C. B. Wright 2019

INSECTS Family Scientific Name Common Name Ukuwela Tettiginiidae Terpnistria zebrata Acacia katydid B. Wright 2017 Tettiginiidae Cymatomera denticollis Bark katydid B. Wright 2017 Koppie foam Pyrgomorphidae Dictyophorus spumans B. Wright 2017 grasshopper Pyrgomorphidae Zonocerus elegans Elegant grasshopper B. Wright 2017

Acrididae Cyrtacanthacris tatarica Grasshopper B. Wright 2017 Tettigoniidae Eurycorypha sp. Leaf katydid B. Wright 2017 Common garden Gryllidae Gryllus bimaculatus B. Wright 2017 cricket Reduviidae Platymeris sp. Giant assassin bug B. Wright 2017

Scutelleridae Sphaerocoris sp. Picasso bug B. Wright 2017 Mantidae Dystacta alticeps Praying mantis B. Wright 2017 Mantidae Epitenodera sp. Praying mantis B. Wright 2017

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 20

Mantidae Mantis religiosa European mantis B. Wright 2017

Hymenopodidae Oxypilus sp. Bird dropping mantis B. Wright 2017

Vespidae Synagris analis Potter wasp B. Wright 2017 Chrysididae Stilbum sp. Cuckoo wasp B. Wright 2017 Vespidae Delta emarginatum Potter wasp B. Wright 2017 Apidae Amegilla atrocincta Bee B. Wright 2017 Apidae Apis mellifera Honey bee B. Wright 2017

Meloidae Hycleus oculatus CMR bean beetle B. Wright 2017 Red-banded blister Meloidae Actenodia sp. B. Wright 2017 beetle Carabidae Graphipterus sp. Velvet ground beetle B. Wright 2017 Yellow-spotted Carabidae Craspedophorus sp. B. Wright 2017 ground beetle Royal tree darkling Tenebrionidae Metallonotus aerugineus B. Wright 2017 beetle Large copper dung Scarabaeidae Scarabeus nigroaeneus B. Wright 2017 beetle Flattened giant dung Scarabaeidae Pachylomera femoralis B. Wright 2017 beetle Coccinellidae Cheilomenes lunata Lunate ladybird B. Wright 2017

Lymexylidae Atractocerus brevicornis Ship-timber beetle B. Wright 2017

Chrysomelidae Aspidimorpha sp. Fools gold beetle B. Wright 2019

Dermestidae Dermestes maculatus Museum beetle B. Wright 2017 Scarabaeidae Dischista sp. Chafer beetle B. Wright 2017 Libellulidae Palpopleura lucia Lucia widow B. Wright 2017

Libellulidae Trithemis arteriosa Red-veined dropwing B. Wright 2017

Libellulidae Crocothemis sanguinolenta Small scarlet B. Wright 2017

Northern harvester Hodotermitidae Hodotermes mossambicus B. Wright 2017 termite

Snouted harvester Termitidae Trinervitermes sp. B. Wright 2017 termite

Blaberidae Gyna caffrorum Tree cockroach B. Wright 2017 Ectobiidae Supella dimidiata Cockroach B. Wright 2017 Sibyllidae Sibylla pretiosa Sibyllid mantis B. Wright 2019

Hymenopodidae Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii Eyed-flower mantis B. Wright 2019

Hymenopodidae Harpagomantis tricolor Flower mantis B. Wright 2019 Mantidae Tarachodes sp. Bark mantis B. Wright 2019 Mantidae Sphodromantis gastrica Giant mantid B. Wright 2019 Mantidae Pyrgomantis rhodesica Grass mantid B. Wright 2018

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 21

Mantidae Popa sp. Twig mantid B. Wright 2018 Thespidae Hoplocoryphella grandis B. Wright 2019

Empusidae Idolomorpha dentifrons Cone-headed mantis B. Wright 2018

Bombadier ant's guest Carabidae Cerapterus laceratus B.Wright 2017 beetle

Meloid-mimicking Buprestidae Agelia petelii B. Wright 2017 jewel beetle

Hook-winged net- Lycidae Lycus sp. B. Wright 2019 winged beetle

Coccinellidae Declivitata hamata pygmaea Humbug ladybird B.Wright 2018

Cerambycidae Zographus niveisparsus Zebra longhorn B. Wright 2019

Cerambycidae Macrotoma sp. Large brown longhorn B. Wright 2017

Reduviidae Pantoleistes princeps Asssassin bug B. Wright 2019

Reduviidae Ectrichodia crux Millipede assassin bug B. Wright 2017

Reduviidae Lopodytes grassator Grass assassin bug B. Wright 2017

Membracidae Oxyrachis sp. Treehopper B. Wright 2017

Giant burrowing Gryllidae Brachytrupes membranaceus B. Wright 2018 cricket

Tettigoniidae Enyaliopsis sp. Korn cricket B. Wright 2017

Tettigoniidae Ruspolia sp. Cone-headed katydid B. Wright 2017

Winged predatory Tettigoniidae Clonia wahlbergi B. Wright 2019 katydid

Gryllidae Oecanthus sp. Tree cricket B. Wright 2018 Euschmidtiidae Euschmidtia sp. Bush hopper B. Wright 2019

Green milkweed Pyrgomorphidae Phymateus viridipes B.Wright 2017 locust

Acrididae Acanthacris ruficornis Garden locust B.Wright 2018 Acrididae Orthoctha dasycnemis B. Wright 2019

Grass-mimicking Acrididae Acanthoxia gladiator B. Wright 2017 grasshopper

Glossinidae Glossina sp. Tsetse fly B. and C. Wright 2017

Scarabaeidae Garreta nitens Green dung beetle B. Wright 2017

Fulgoridae Eddara euchroma Painted snout bug B. Wright 2019

Myrmeleontidae Palpares sp. Dotted veld antlion B. Wright 2019 Blotched long-horned Ascalaphidae Tmesibasis sp. B. Wright 2019 antlion

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 22

Sphecidae Ammophila sp. Thread-waisted wasp B. Wright 2018

Orange-shouldered Blattidae Pseudoderopeltis albilatera B. Wright 2017 cockroach

Platystomatidae Bromophila caffra Red-headed fly B. Wright 2017 Tachinidae Dejeania sp. Tachinid fly B. Wright 2018 Muscidae Musca domestica House fly B. Wright 2018 Tabanidae Tabanus biguttatus Hippo fly B. Wright 2017 Syrphidae Eristalis sp. Drone fly B. Wright 2018 Reduviidae Reduvius sp. Masked hunter B. Wright 2017 Scarabaeidae Oryctes monoceros Dung beetle B. Wright 2017

Common fungus- Termitidae Odontotermes sp. B. Wright 2017 growing termite

Cerambycidae Xystrocera dispar Longhorn beetle B.Wright 2017

Cerambycidae Purpuricenus laetus Longhorn beetle C.Wright 2017

Curculionidae Ocladius sp. Snout beetle B.Wright 2017 Oestridae Gedoelstia sp. Botfly C.Wright 2017 Brentidae Episus sp. Weevil B.Wright 2017 Scarabaeidae Pedinorrhina trivittata Fruit chafer B.Wright 2017 Arrow-poison leaf Chrysomelidae Polyclada sp. B.Wright 2017 beetle Cerambycidae Crossotus plumicornis Longhorn beetle B.Wright 2017

Tettigoniidae Horatosphaga sp. Dimorphic katydid B.Wright 2018

Chrysomelidae Conchyloctenia tripuncticollis Tortoise beetle B.Wright 2018 Mushroom dung Scarabaeidae Coptorhina sp. B.Wright 2018 beetle Yellow striped Cerambycidae Pycnopsis brachyptera B.Wright 2018 longhorn Pyrrhocoridae Dysdercus sp. Cotton stainer B.Wright 2018 Acrididae Acrida sp. Striped acrida B.Wright 2018 Vespidae Polistes sp. Paper wasp B.Wright 2018 Webspinners B.Wright 2018 Milkweed Pyrgomorphidae Phymateus baccatus B.Wright 2018 grasshopper

Aphididae Aphis nerii Oleander aphid B. Wright 2018

Coccinellidae Cheilomenes sulphurea Sulfurous ladybird B. Wright 2018

Apidae Thyreus sp. Cuckoo bee B. Wright 2018 Asilidae Proagonistes sp. Robber fly B. Wright 2018

Mantidae Miomantis caffra South African mantis B. Wright 2018

Pentatomidae Gynenica sp. Grass stink bug B. Wright 2018 Scarabaeidae Anisorrhina algoensis Fruit chafer B. Wright 2018

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 23

Vespidae Belonogaster sp. Paper wasp B. Wright 2018

Cleridae Phloiocopus sp. Checkered beetle B. Wright 2018

Tettigoniidae Pseudorhynchus hastifer Horned katydid B. Wright 2019 Brachyceridae Beachycerus labrusca Snout beetle B.Wright 2019 Mantidae Cilnia sp. Mantis B. Wright 2019 Gryllacrididae Stictogryllacris sp. Raspy cricket B. Wright 2019 Acrididae Paracinema tricolor Grasshopper B. Wright 2019

Scutelleridae Hotea sp. Shield-backed bug B. Wright 2019

Tettigoniidae Arantia tanzanica Katydid B.Wright 2019 Scarabaeidae Kheper lamarcki Dung beetle B.Wright 2019

Cerambycidae Ceroplesis ferrugator Longhorn beetle B.Wright 2019

Large fungus-growing Termitidae Macrotermes natalensis B.Wright 2019 termite

Termitidae Amitermes sp. Black-mound termite B.Wright 2019

Apidae Thyreus sp. Cuckoo bee B.Wright 2019

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

Family Scientific Name Common Name Ukuwela

Nymphalidae Byblia ilithyia Spotted joker B. Wright 2018

Nymphalidae Charaxes brutus natalensis White-barred emperor B. Wright 2017

Nymphalidae Charaxes jahlusa Pearl-spotted emperor B. Wright 2018

Nymphalidae Charaxes varanes varanes Pearl emperor B. Wright 2017 Pieridae Colotis auxo Sulphur orange tip R. Tippett 2017 Pieridae Colotis daae annae Scarlet tip B. Wright 2018

Pieridae Colotis ione Bushveld purple tip B. Wright 2017

Pieridae Colotis regina Queen purple tip B. Wright 2017

Nymphalidae Danaus crysipus aegyptius African Monarch B. Wright 2017

Pieridae Eronia cleodora cleodora Vine-leaf vagrant B. Wright 2017

Pieridae Eronia leda Autumn-leaf vagrant B. Wright 2017

Nymphalidae Eurytela dryope angulata Golden piper B. Wright 2018 Nymphalidae Hypolimnas misipus Common diadem B. Wright 2018 Nymphalidae Junonia hierta cebrene Yellow pansy B. Wright 2017 Nymphalidae Junonia oenone oenone Blue pansy B. Wright 2017 Twilight Brown (Evening brown Nymphalidae Melanitis leda helena B. Wright 2017 ) Papilionidae Papilio demodocus demodocus Citrus swallowtail B. Wright 2017

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 24

Nymphalidae Vanessa cardui Painted lady B. Wright 2018

Saturniidae Imbrasia forda Pallid emperor moth B. Wright 2017

Pterophoridae Agdistis sp. Pustule plume moth B. Wright 2017

Thyretidae Thyretes caffra Bar maiden B. Wright 2017 Noctuidae Erebus macrops Walker"s owl B. Wright 2017

Sphingidae Hippotion celerio Silver-striped hawk moth B. Wright 2017

Sphingidae Acherontia atropos Death's head hawk moth B. Wright 2017

Saturniidae Gynanisa maja Speckled emperor B. Wright 2019

Geometridae Zamarada plana B. Wright 2017

Geometridae Heterorachis devocata Red-lined emerald B. Wright 2017

Noctuidae Sphingomorpha chlorea Sundowner moth B. Wright 2017

Noctuidae Egybolis vaillantina Peach moth B. Wright 2018 Erebidae Euchromia amoena Pleasant hornet B.Wright 2018 Limacodidae Latoia latistriga Plum slug B. Wright 2019

Noctuidae Heraclia sp. Superb false tiger B. Wright 2017

Erebidae Amata alicia Heady maiden B.Wright 2018 Lasiocampidae Philotherma rosa Lappet moth B.Wright 2018 Noctuidae Thyatirina achatina Blossom moth B.Wright 2018

Erebidae Cropera testacea Coated orange peel B.Wright 2018

Saturniidae Goodia kuntzei Lunar prince B.Wright 2018

Noctuidae Omphalestra mesoglauca Dart moth B.Wright 2019

Geometridae Scopula pulchellata rufinubes Mocha moth B.Wright 2019

Adelidae Ceromitia sp. Long horned moth B.Wright 2019

Notodontidae Antheua tricolor Prominent moth B.Wright 2019

ARACHNIDS Scientific Name Common Name Regional Global Ukuwela Araneus apricus Green pea spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Argiope australis Garden Orb Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Caerostris sexcuspidata Bark Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Castianeira sp. Ant-like spider B. Wright 2017 Cyclosa sp. Garbage-line Spiders Not Assessed Not Assessed B.Wright 2018 Isoxya tabulata Kite Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 25

Isoxya stuhlmanni Kite Spider B. Wright 2017 Neoscona sp. Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Ant-mimicking jumping Myrmarachne ichneumon B. Wright 2019 spider Hippasa sp. Funnel-web wolf spider B. Wright 2017 Leucauge kibonotensis Tailed vlei spider B. Wright 2018

Hersilia sp. Long-spinnered Bark Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017

Cheiracanthium sp. Sac Spiders Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Smeringopus sp. Daddy Longleggs Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Euprosthenops sp. Nurseryweb Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Platytoides sp. Scorpion spider B. Wright 2017 Portia schultzi Jumping Spiders Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2018 Scytodes sp. Spitting Spiders Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Ariadna sp. Tunnelweb Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Leucage kibonotensis Tailed vlei spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2018 Nephilengys cruentata Hermit Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Nephila inaurata Redlegged Banded Golden Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 madagascariensis Orb Nephila senegalensis Banded-legged nephila Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Latrodectus geometricus Brown Widow Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Thomisus sp. Crab Spiders Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2018 Uloborus plumipes Feather-legged Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Pachyballus flavipes Jumping Spider Hermippus Septemguttatus Burrowing Spider Not Assessed Not Assessed B. Wright 2017 Brachionopus sp. Baboon spider B. Wright 2017 Loxosceles sp. Violin spider B. Wright 2018 Cydrela sp. Ant eating spider C. Wright 2018 Leucage kibonotensis B. Wright 2018

Ancylotrypa sp. Wafer lid trapdoor spider B. Wright 2017

Deinopis sp. Net casting spider B. Wright 2019 Panaretella sp. Forest huntsman spider B.Wright 2018 Pseudolychas pegleri Thick tailed buthid I. Engelbrecht 2017 (Purcell, 1901) scorpions Uroplectes formosus Thick tailed buthid R. Tippitt 2017 Pocock, 1890 scorpions Cheloctonus jonesii Pocock, Burrowing scorpions I. Engelbrecht 2017 1892 Opisthacanthus asper Thin tailed scorpions B. Wright 2017 (Peters, 1861) Amblyomma hebraeum African bont tick B. Wright 2017 Damon sp. Tailless whip scorpion B. Wright 2019

MYRIAPODS Scientific Name Common Name Ukuwela Alipes sp. Flag tail centipede B. Wright 2017 Cormocephalus nitidus Centipede B. Wright 2017

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 26

Scolopendra sp. Centipede B. Wright 2017

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 27

Appendix E

PRO FORMA ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION

Notes of a management meeting for Ukuwela Nature Reserve held at … on …

Present:

Apologies:

CC:

Appendix E Table 1 Progress and goals set for the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve

LEGAL COMPLIANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Management target 2018/19 Progress 2019/20 goals Completion date Responsibility Action

NATURE RESERVE DECLARATION

Legal protection of the entire extent of Ukuwela Nature Reserve in terms of the Year 1 Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife requirements of the Protected Areas Act.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Implement appropriate standard Management Provision of advice operating procedures and processes in Year 1 Authority from Ezemvelo responding to illegal incidents.

Regular patrols covering the full extent of Management Ongoing the nature reserve. Authority

Prosecution of any offender caught Requires the Management committing an offence. Ongoing assistance of Authority EKZNW

LAND MATTERS

• A register of all required permits and their respective statuses for the EKZNW to engage property. Management Annually as part of the • A member to take responsibility of all Authority process permitting concerns. • A fully compliant property. Title deed endorsement for Nature Management Conservation Year 1 Reserve status. Authority Outcomes to assist

An up-to-date, accurate servitude Management Year 1 register for the reserve Authority

WILDLIFE RISKS AND LIABILITIES

Standard operating procedures are Management EKZNW to assist in Year 1 regularly reviewed and updated to Authority reviewing address risks, procedures and compensation associated with wildlife breakouts and emergencies

OPERATIONAL MANGEMENT

Management target 2018/19 Progress 2019/20 goals Completion date Responsibility Action

INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

Sufficient facilities, assets, infrastructure and equipment to support the effective Management Ongoing management and operation of the Authority nature reserve.

Regular scheduled maintenance of all Management Ongoing infrastructure and equipment. Authority

Appropriately functioning infrastructure and systems that do not cause harm to Management the environment, in accordance with Ongoing Authority the environmental maintenance management plan.

FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Inclusion of a cost estimate in the Management Annually Annual Plan of Operation. Authority

Develop a profile of staff members to identify qualifications, skills and Management Annually experience, and areas in which capacity Authority development is required

Implement a structured system to assess and determine staff job Management performance and to identify further Annually Authority training and capacity development needs.

Implement measures to ensure that staff are sufficiently trained and capable Management Annually to undertake the functions required of Authority their job positions.

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Dates for annual meetings are set at the Management Year 3 closing of previous meetings Authority

Processes are in place that facilitate fair Management Year 3 and effective decision making Authority

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Management target 2018/19 Progress 2019/20 goals Completion date Responsibility Action

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION

Optimally designed and agreed upon Management reserve budget that enables the Ongoing Authority effective management of the reserve.

There is adequate budget to effectively Management Ongoing manage the reserve. Authority

There is an effective, efficient and fair mechanism in place to enable decision Management With assistance of Annually making around proposed business Authority EKZNW activities.

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

Management target 2018/19 Progress 2019/20 goals Completion date Responsibility Action

ECOSYSTEM AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT

Undertake annual rangeland assessments, as part of the Monitoring Programme, to With the Management assistance of the determine the state of the habitat and the Annually influence of management interventions. Authority Biodiversity Stewardship Unit

Undertake an annual wildlife species Management census to determine animal numbers Annually Authority and required off-takes.

Modify game species mix and numbers Management if they are found to be negatively Annually Authority impacting on biodiversity.

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 3

If required, veterinary intervention will Management be utilised for species of conservation Ongoing Authority concern.

Habitat management activities will be Management cognisant of the requirement of plant Ongoing Authority species of conservation concern.

Implement appropriate measures within sensitive habitats to limit vegetation Management Ongoing impacts through over-utilisation through Authority species

Develop standard operating procedures for tourism and management activities Management Ongoing within sensitive habitats. Authority

If extractive resource use is to take Management Ongoing place, it must be done sustainably Authority

An effective road network is designed and Management implemented. Ongoing Authority

Road maintenance is adequately Management addressed in the APO. Ongoing Authority

The road network is adequately Management Ongoing signposted. Authority

FIRE MANAGEMENT

Establishment of a series of internal Management firebreaks to facilitate the Annually Authority recommended burning regime.

Burning the reserve annually in Management accordance with the fire management Annually Authority plan.

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 4

Five-yearly review and update of the Management With support from Ukuwela Nature Reserve Fire Annually Authority Working on Fire Management Plan.

Compliance with the National Veld and Management Annually Forest Fires Act. Authority

INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL

Implementation of invasive alien plant Management control in accordance with the reserve’s Annually Authority invasive alien plant control plan.

Five-yearly review and update of the Management Ukuwela Nature Reserve Invasive Alien Annually Authority Plant Control Plan

Ongoing control and eradication of listed invasive species to a point where Management Annually maintenance control is all that is Authority required.

Managing exotic animal species that Management occur on the reserve so that indigenous Ongoing Authority species are protected.

SOIL EROSION CONTROL

Develop a detailed soil map of the With technical Management reserve. Year 3 inputs from Authority partners

A map depicting areas of soil erosion Management Year 1 within the nature reserve Authority

Implementation of soil erosion control Management measures in areas in which plant cover Ongoing Authority is low, which are susceptible to erosion.

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Management target 2018/19 Progress 2019/20 goals Completion date Responsibility Action

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 5

Development of a map of the historic resources on the reserve, so as to ensure Management As required their protection. Authority

If funding is available undertake a more comprehensive inventory of cultural, Management historical and archaeological artefacts As required within the reserve. Authority

Visitor activities are controlled and limited in areas that have been Management Ongoing identified as particularly sensitive to Authority visitor impacts.

RESEARCH AND MONITORING

An annual review of research efforts is conducted to discuss and disseminate Management Annually key findings and identify areas where Authority further research is required.

Discuss and highlight research needs Management With inputs from Year 5 during planning for the APO. Authority research partners

Development of scientific surveillance and monitoring plan for the reserve that enables effective species monitoring.

Monitoring plans for key rare and Management Annually threatened habitat types and species. Authority

Review monitoring strategies annually. Annually

Development of an effective surveillance Management and monitoring plan for the reserve that Annually Authority will enable adaptive habitat management.

Keep accurate records of habitat Management management activities, including burns Ongoing Authority and IAP removal.

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 6

Engagement with partners and research organisations to promote research that Management Engagement with addresses key ecological management Authority research partners. interventions.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Management target 2018/19 Progress 2019/20 goals Completion date Responsibility Action

FOSTERING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORT

Wherever possible, all employment Management opportunities and business support are Ongoing Authority provided to local communities.

Community development projects result Management in positive relationships and trust with Ongoing Authority the surrounding communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND INTERPRETATION

Provision of environmental interpretation to members of the Management neighbouring local communities, Ongoing Authority implemented in terms of the reserve’s existing programme.

ECOSYSTEM GOODS AND SERVICES

When resources allow, and research opportunities present themselves; the Management Ongoing ecosystem services provided by the Authority nature reserve are quantified

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 7

Appendix F

UKUWELA GAME OWNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Appendix G

REGISTERED SERVITUDES ON THE GERATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE

(awaiting SG diagrams from the Land Surveyor)

THE GREATER UKUWELA NATURE RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2

Table of Contents